Last week’s article discussed how pornography is a drug that comes with great danger – especially to one’s marriage. These dangerous effects, however, extend beyond one’s marriage relationship to all relationships. Those who view pornography cannot help but begin to see both men and women as objects whose sole purpose is for the fulfillment of one’s desires. As a result, husbands often fail to love and respect their wives in the right manner, while wives may easily fail to respect their husbands as they ought to (Eph. 5:22ff). Beyond problems in one’s marriage, it leads to problems in other friendships and relationships. Because pornography has the real danger of causing one to objectify others, it can easily cause one battling the drug to see both men and women as mere tools for one’s desires and fantasies instead of seeing them as souls created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27). Moreover, pornography at its core is designed to elicit lustful thoughts in the heart of the viewer (cf. Matt. 5:28-29; Job 31:1). One cannot partake of this drug without having to deal with its dangerous effects. Not only does pornography bring about relationship problems, but it also creates a great amount of self-doubt and shame that is suppressed with great guilt. Because the drug is consumed in private and is of such a sensitive, taboo nature, those who consume pornography want to hide it from others – from parents, from spouses, from friends, and from children. This secrecy leads …

            Last week, we introduced the subject of pornography as being the most accessible drug. It is a drug that is already in each of our homes and most all of our pockets. I have been calling pornography a drug, but what is it that makes this the case? Pornography is not generally categorized in this way, but in truth, it is exactly what pornography is. Researchers have found that the brain activity triggered by viewing pornography is very similar to the brain activity triggered by drug use.[1] Because of this similar brain activity, pornography “can become as addictive as cocaine or heroin.”[2] Pornography is a dangerous drug.             Not only is pornography dangerous because of its highly addictive nature, but it is dangerous because of its effects. For some, the effects are seen in their relationships. Despite pornography often being consumed in secret, the results are seen in public. Without even addressing the issues of immodesty or lewdness, pornography leads to relationship problems. The use of pornography corrupts one’s view of the sexual relationship as designed by God.  Some argue that pornography is beneficial for one’s marriage and that it helps to spice things up, but in truth “that’s the devil talking.”[3] One’s thoughts when viewing pornography are placed on the content being viewed – not on their spouse. It can easily lead to jealousy and problems as one spouse may not look like those in the videos or pictures, and it can cause one’s spouse to feel inadequate …

            The most accessible drug is not what we might believe it to be. We might begin to think of a substance that can only be obtained from someone on the street with the right connections. We might wonder if the most accessible drug is the alcohol that can so easily be purchased at every gas station and grocery store. And while certain substances and alcohol are highly accessible drugs, neither are what this article is about. The most accessible drug is one that is already in the doors of our homes. It is a drug that stays by our side. It is a drug that, with only a few taps of our thumbs, we find the high. The most accessible drug might just be pornography.             The subject of pornography is uncomfortable to discuss, but just because a subject is taboo does not give us permission to avoid it (cf. Acts 20:27, NKJV). We might be tempted to believe that this is a subject that does not affect us in the church or that it would never be a problem in our homes, but we would be sadly mistaken to assume such a thing. According to studies conducted by the Barna Group, over half of all those surveyed who claim Christianity admit to watching pornography.[1] The draw of this drug tempts everyone – men and women, old and young. In fact, those we might categorize as being the most religious among us are not immune to pornography’s addictive draw. …

            So, what can we say is immodest, for certain? While exact clothing measurements may not be given in Scripture, we can look at the principles Jesus taught. In Matthew 5:28, Jesus gives a strong warning, “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (NKJV). Job also demonstrated the need for a heart committed to purity when he said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; why then should I look upon a young woman?” (Job 31:1). These verses remind us that we must not only guard our own hearts but also be mindful of the effect our clothing may have on others. Statistically, men may be more visually stimulated, but that doesn’t mean women are immune to struggles with lust. Jesus clearly taught that sinful behavior begins in the heart. In Mark 7:20–23, He says, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders… lewdness… All these evil things come from within and defile a man.” These sins don’t arise randomly, they are often fueled by the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the flesh.             Therefore, there are certain types of clothing that, when measured against biblical principles, clearly fall outside the bounds of modesty. Bathing suits worn in public—whether one-piece or two-piece—are too revealing, and they not only dishonor the woman wearing …

            When discussing modesty, two commonly referenced passages are 1 Timothy 2:9–10 and 1 Peter 3:1–4. While both focus specifically on women’s attire, the underlying principles apply to both men and women. These texts have slightly different contexts—1 Timothy addresses behavior within the assembly, while 1 Peter is part of a broader discussion on household conduct. Still, both emphasize a deeper truth, modesty begins with the heart. They teach that our internal mindset should shape our external appearance, highlighting the importance of humility, self-control, and a focus on godliness over outward adornment.             At its core, modesty is about choosing not to draw attention to ourselves physically but instead allowing the beauty of our spiritual character to shine. We practice modesty by using sound judgment in how we dress and present ourselves. This involves considering both our intentions and the message our clothing might send—whether it reflects worldliness or godliness. In the context of 1 Timothy 2:9–10 and 1 Peter 3:1–4, the warning is against excessive adornment—wearing extravagant or costly clothing and jewelry to draw attention to oneself. But modesty is not only about avoiding too much, it’s also about wearing enough. Just as overdressing to impress can reveal pride, underdressing can expose a heart that seeks attention in other ways. Proverbs 7:10 gives a vivid example, “And there a woman met him, with the attire of a harlot, and a crafty heart” (NKJV). In both ancient times and today, those who dressed immodestly often did so with a clear …