Morning Moments

In his consideration of public worship which is to be done decently and orderly, Paul turns from basic instruction to men to basic instruction to women.

Allow me to paraphase what he said in 1 Timothy 2:8 to men: "I am instructing you to instruct the men when they pray in the public assembly to pray lifting their hands as an expression of their complete surrender to God, without intense anger toward God or man, and to pray in faith believing that all things are possible with God." (alp)

Men, remember that we are to "put off" this disposition (Col 3:8), and to "put it away" (Eph 4:31. James says that we are to be swift to hear and slow to speak and slow to wrath (Ja 1:19). We are all taught how to think in Phil 4:8+.

Now Paul instructs Timothy to instruct the women in general. He addresses seven issues in context and I shall add one from his letter Titus.

HER DRESS - 2:9
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or costly array."

Ladies, please consider this carefully with me. This is a guiding principle, not a gross prohibition. I will be very frank about this matter.

The key word in this verse in "modest". Before you go ballistic let me explain what is said, and what is meant by what is said. Then we shall see how it relates to today's woman.

The word "adorn" is used of "putting in order" and "trimming the lamps" which indicates a preparation for use. "Modest" means respectful or reverence. It was used in classical Greek in reference to regard for higher powers. "Sobriety" means "good sense, mental soundness, self control".

So what Paul is saying is, "Timothy, instruct the ladies to think about how they dress, and dress in a way that would show self respect as well as respect for your family and of utmost importance, GOD, Himself. Now that should not be a problem should it? In other words, "Don't dress in a way that calls attention to your body, but to your spirit.

I have seen ladies panties in church, buldging breasts, and tight skirts that show panty lines or no panties. I am just telling you the truth. "Well", some nut will say, "you should not be looking". To which I will respond, "You should not be inviting me to look." I am a practical man, and NO exception. Use your brain and not your body to attrack godly men and to bring respect to yourself from others - both men and women.

God knows we need to speak the truth in love today about apparel. The world shows it all and we who confess our faith in Jesus Christ are not of the world. Don't get hung up on the apparel itself or you will miss the whole point. I certainly don't think we need dress police in church, but we do need to teach modesty.

One more word about this and this is a strong word. Some would say, "God looks not on the outward appearance, but on the heart." Okay, then why did He clothe Adam and Eve? Get real! Careless dressing will lead to careless living.

All I am saying is all that Paul is saying - BE MODEST! Your apparel can be a reflection of your attitude toward God and others.

One final thing! True beauty comes from the inside out, not the outside in. Just think about it! Do you wish to appeal to God or to men?

Blessings