What Not to Wear

“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.

It’s not what’s on the outside but the inside that really makes you beautiful. Remember, God looks at the internal, not the ensemble (1Sam 16:7). Worry about what’s going on inside your heart “for from it flow the springs of life” (Prov 4:23). It’s why God gives us a new heart when He saves us. His Holy Spirit moves into each believer and empowers each of us to live an inside-out life. Style starts on the inside and moves to the outside. The result is true godliness and a wardrobe of good works. God absolutely loves seeing them. They’re ALWAYS in style! When you put them on everyday, you never have to worry about the Lord telling you what not to wear. It’s a look that really makes you shine!

The Glorious Makeover

“who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself” (Philippians 3:21).

Who doesn’t love one of those nifty TV makeovers? Primetime is packed with experts transforming the bland and ugly into the spectacular. Oprah introduces the once homely housewife who now rocks the runway like a Vogue cover girl. The stylist spins the chair for a spectacular new look for one of the contestants on “America’s Next Top Model.” The crowd on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” cheers when Ty tells them to “move that bus!” Jaw-dropping transformations are not just limited to reality TV. We grow up on stories about Cinderella and Eliza Doolittle. But Paul tells us that’s junior varsity stuff compared what Jesus has in store for His followers. Our Savior “will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself” (v21). Christ won’t just give you and me a new hairstyle, a hip new wardrobe, and hand us off to a personal trainer. He’ll unleash His unlimited power to make us totally new. He’ll make us totally like Himself. Call it the Glorious Makeover.

Paul may be behind bars in Rome (Phil 1:7, 13-14), but he’s got his eyes on the prize of Jesus’ incredible encore. The man from Tarsus knows Christ is going to make the ultimate comeback. He warns his Philippian friends to not fall for the fool’s gold of instant gratification like the folks he likes to call the “enemies of the cross of Christ” (Phil 3:18). They want all and they want it now (Phil 3:19). He encourages us to remember we’re just passing through on this planet as citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20). Instead of worshiping the god of the gut, we wait anxiously for Jesus’ Second Coming. Not only is He going to restore His creation (which we jacked up!), but the Lord will transform you and me into something we can’t begin to wrap our brains around. 

Translating the Greek text here is kinda goofy. It’s a little wonky converting into English. But the original language gives us a pretty cool understanding of the absolutely radical stuff Jesus has in store for us. Check out the Amplified Bible. (Don’t worry about turning down your speakers. The Amplified doesn’t crank the volume to 11. It simply uses language to boost our understanding of Scripture. Think of it as a biblical subwoofer.) Christ “will transform and fashion anew the the body of our humiliation to conform to and be like the body of His glory and majesty” (v21 AMP). Transform. Fashion. Conform. Be like. Do you get the idea that Jesus has something radical in store for you and me?

There are a couple of key words in the Greek that we don’t want to miss. The first is what the ESV translators give us as “transform.” This is metaschematizo, which means to cause a radical change in the form of something, physically transfigure, alter, or change. It emphasizes a radical transformation in our outward appearance. Over in one of his notes to the Corinthian church, Paul uses this same word to talk about how spiritual hucksters have disguised themselves as counterfeit apostles (2Cor 11:13-15). You really have to squint hard at the ESV to see the other term. That little phrase “to be like” is actually the Greek term summorphos. It means having the same form as another, sharing a likeness, or a similarity of both form and nature. Some versions use a version of “conform” (NRS, NKJV, NASB, YLT). This is the idea of both outward AND inward metamorphosis. In other words, this Glorious Makeover isn’t a makeover at all! It’s a whole new you and me! One that looks just like Jesus amazing resurrection body!!

If you want a preview of what the radical transformation of “our lowly body to be like His glorious body,” flip back to the bios of Jesus that kick off the NT. Dr. Luke describes how the resurrected Christ walked and talked with two dudes walking back home to Emmaus (Lk 24:13-35). When these boys race back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples, suddenly Jesus shows up there out of thin air (Lk 24:36-37). Apparently there will be no need for keys, deadbolts, or doorknobs in the future. Despite His glorious new body, He still bears the scars of His crucifixion (Lk 24:38-40; Jn 20:27). Jesus enjoys more than one meal with His boys (Lk 24:41-42; Jn 21:9-14). I’m looking forward to ribeye steaks and chocolate milkshakes without consequences…if you know what I mean!

Paul LOVES talking about our Glorious Makeover. We find out God has been planning this transformation from the very beginning. “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers” (Rom 8:29). This was no last minute brain storm. He tells the Corinthians how Jesus will make sure we will no longer wear a dirt suit like Adam but shine in glory (1Cor 15:43-53). He writes more about that in a letter to the Colossian church, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Col 3:4). Let’s be clear. He promises to change us inside and out. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for my resurrection body. No more love handles. No more cranky ankles. No more glasses. No more wrinkles. No more disease. No more cancer. No more death. Count me in for the Glorious Makeover. 

Maybe you’ve got doubts about Jesus’ ability to pull this off. You’ve tried to lose weight but haven’t been able to keep it off. You can’t figure out how to get your hair to do what the stylist did when they gave you the new ‘do. Ah, but He’s got something up His supernatural sleeve nobody else does. He’s got “the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself” (v21). It’s the same juice that enables Him to create, sustain, and rule the universe. Just a while back, Paul describes his passion to “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Phil 3:10). If God can do all that, imagine what He can do with my broken down, middle aged body!  

The next time you grab the remote and turn on one of those reality makeover shows, remember that’s kindergarten stuff compared to Jesus is going to do for His followers. A new hairstyle is cute. A nifty new wardrobe is sweet. A remodeled house is nice. But just you wait until Christ gets His hands on you and me. And there’s no question that He’s got the goods to get it done. I’m ready for His Glorious Makeover. How ‘bout you?