“Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works” (1Tim 2:9-10).
Imagine walking down the street when somebody grabs you and starts ripping your wardrobe. Ditch the mom jeans. The 80s called and want their shoulder pads back. If you’re a fan of the show “What Not to Wear,” you know exactly what I’m talking about. Hosts Stacy and Clinton are the fashion police. They kidnap some poor, unsuspecting woman and execute an ambush makeover. When it’s all over, they give their subject a look which makes her shine.
(Okay, full disclosure. I only know of this show because my wife is a fan. Have I watched a few times? Sure, I admit it. But my DVR’s not groaning with episodes from the series. Why do I have a funny feeling you’re not buying what I’m selling? Also let me say that I know I’m headed down a slippery slope here. I’m not exactly on top of the latest fashion trends and really know zilch about women’s style. That being the case, let’s just stick with what Scripture has to say.)
The truth is, makeovers are nothing new. Back in the first century, Paul made a point of letting ladies know all about the latest in fashion for the followers of Jesus. “Likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for a woman who professes godliness—with good works” (v9-10). No, he’s not trashing what the stars wear on the red carpet like folks on “Access Hollywood” (but I would love to hear what the apostle has to say about Lady GaGa's meat dress!). He wants women to wear what really makes them shine in the eyes of God. And there’s nothing more stunning than being decked out in sacrificial service to others.
Before you think the apostle is picking on the ladies, notice it begins with the words “Likewise also” (v9). So let’s back up a couple of verses. He’s just told the guys to stop fighting and start praying (1Tim 2:8). Apparently the dudes were too busy duking it out and not praying it up. In the same way, the women in the Ephesian church seem to be overly focused on fashion. “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” have nothing on them. It’s all about appearance. It’s all about style. They’re so focused on the mirror-mirror-on-the-wall that they’ve lost all sight of Who matters most of all.
Paul begins by telling his protege Timothy the essentials that every Christ-following woman should have in their wardrobe. Little black dress? Sleek blazer? Possibly. But it’s deeper than that. “Women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control” (v8). “Adorn” is the Greek verb kosmeo. It’s where we get our word “cosmetics.” It means to arrange, put in order, or make ready. In other words, think about what you’re putting on. Plan what you wear. Don’t just throw on the first thing you grab out of your closet.
The apostle’s language here is pretty clear. The big idea is women should not dress in a way that draws all the attention to themselves. This isn’t about being flamboyant or gaudy. And it’s certainly not about looking sexy and seductive. Godly ladies understand the power of their appearance. They realize men are visual beings and stimulated by what they see. With that in mind, they serve their spiritual brothers by not dressing provocatively. Don’t advertise something you shouldn’t be selling.
One great way of thinking of this is whether a woman wants to be a target or a treasure. Are you dressing yourself in a way that invites men to objectify you? I’m not saying you can completely extinguish the male libido, but there’s no reason to throw gasoline on the fire. Is there any reason to go into a detailed discussion of height, length, or depth of certain pieces of clothing? And guys, stop demanding that your wife or girlfriend wears what turns you on. She’s not only somebody’s daughter but a treasured child of God.
Paul goes on to describe not just a woman’s wardrobe but her hairstyle and jewelry. A believing lady should not have “braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire” (v9). Let’s be clear. He’s NOT saying you can’t get your hair did or instituting a bling ban. I don’t see command in Scripture for women to wear denim jumpers. The apostle is describing the self-centered attitude of wanting all eyes are on you when you walk into the room. Remember, God’s Word calls us to a “me third” attitude. Jesus first. Others second. Me third. Stop stealing His attention. We also must understand the impact we have on others. For instance, does what we wear provoke a sense of jealousy in those who don’t have what we do?
The apostle goes on to say that a lady who loves Jesus should be styling with “what is proper for a woman who professes godliness—with good works” (v10). Stop freaking out about your clothes. Stop focusing on how your hair looks. Stop worrying so much about your jewelry. If you say you follow Jesus, live like you follow Jesus. We want people to see our Savior not ourselves. Fashion experts always encourage us to have classic and timeless clothes in our closet. There’s NOTHING more classic and timeless than godliness and good works! There are ALWAYS in style!
Let’s be clear that doing these good things are important for every believer. But good deeds don’t save us. That’s not possible. There’s only One who was able to do enough good works. Jesus does for us what we could never do for ourselves (Eph 2:8-9). He lived the life of perfect obedience when we fall short. WAY short. He died on a cross in our place for our sin. We place our trust in Christ’s ultimate good works on our behalf. As a result, we’re not saved by doing good stuff but in order to do good stuff. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Eph 2:10). And these good works are essential to any believer’s wardrobe.
This idea of what not to wear goes back a few centuries before Paul Through the prophet Isaiah, God warns that one day He’ll perform a humiliating makeover on every lady who worships her own appearance (Is 3:18-23). The transformation will be unlike you’ve ever seen on any reality show. “Instead of perfume there will be rottenness; and instead of a belt, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty” (Is 3:24). I don’t know about you, but I think I would be updating my look before God does it for me.
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