Just as men lifting up their hands in prayer Paul was demonstrating the holiness of their hearts, so with women. This is not so much about fashion as it is about hearts. This is not about braided hair but it is about holiness. The decadent fashions of the Roman world had found its way to impacting Paul’s churches. Our spirituality mustn’t draw attention to ourselves but to God. That’s the heart of this message. Further, let’s not focus on what women shouldn’t wear but let us look at the amazing good deeds they do in their worship of God.
“ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.” (1 Tim 2 v 9-10)
4 questions we can all ask whether female or male:-
- What is my motivation? What am I trying to communicate through my appearance? Is my goal to elevate my own status or to honour God?
- Where do I invest the most? With regards appearances how much of my time, money and mental energy is given to it? Am I bordering on being obsessive? (This is not advocating not trying to be presentable!)
- Do I believe in my inner beauty? Does the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control of the Spirit shine through my life?
- Am I generous? Do I give as much or more to others than I give to myself? How much self-focus do I give?
Paul is not trying to be legalistic or to shame anyone and it is true that different cultures will equate modesty differently. The key again is the heart. We must focus more on God’s beauty being seen than ours. That’s what Paul was saying.
Missions Paul 