Statement on Modesty


Cornerstone University affirms that the standard of behavior for the Christian is based upon the biblical directive of the Lord to "be holy, for I am holy" as stated in Lev. 11:44 and I Peter 1:16. This principle is to be reflected in every area of the Christian's character and conduct. It is upon this principle that the Christian virtue of modesty has its foundation. Modesty includes, among other areas, appropriateness in dress and wholesomeness in speech, both of which are rooted in purity of heart. While fashion and word meanings or usages change frequently in culture, the foundational standard of holiness does not change and is to be demonstrated by the Christian in each cultural setting.

Christian character is rooted in the fact that God created humans as male and female in His image. He further declared that everything concerning them was very good and that they were created to reflect that image of God in every area of their existence. That image is reflected in Christian character with heart purity, modest dress, and wholesome speech.

At the Fall, sin entered the world with the result that God's image and purpose for His created beings were marred. Adam and Eve's response was to cover themselves with fig leaves and attempt to hide their sin. God subsequently provided garments of animal skins to protect from further perversion. The choice of one's attire becomes a means to protect oneself from the effect of the Fall. Impurity of heart and misuse of words also resulted from the Fall.

Cornerstone University strongly encourages each member of its community to strive to think, act, dress, and speak appropriately and modestly (Christianly) wherever one happens to be. The Bible, the roadmap for life, provides guidelines in these areas. The psalmist commanded, "worship the Lord with the beauty of a holy life." Solomon proclaimed that who we are reflects upon the condition of one's heart, "as I think in my heart, so am I." Solomon also wrote that dress and speech can reveal the orientation of the heart (Proverbs 7:10-13, 21-23). Here an immodestly dressed woman utilizing inappropriate behavior and speech seduced a young man who responded "like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose." In I Tim. 2:9 women are commanded to "dress modestly, with decency and propriety." Attire that provokes a lustful response in thought, word, or action is never appropriate. Both men and women have responsibility to maintain personal holiness for the glory of God as well as to avoid potentially being an instrument of temptation to anyone else. Regarding speech that is pleasing to God, Paul directed the Ephesian church to "not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."

The "heart of the matter is a matter of the heart." Solomon said, "above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life...for out of the heart flow the issues of life." The members of the Cornerstone University community are expected to apply biblically-based principles of Christian discernment in centering their heart on God for holy living as worthy representatives of Jesus Christ in this culture.

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