Text: 1 Timothy 2:9-15 (KJV)
Key Verse: “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Timothy 2:9).
MESSAGE:
Man is a tripartite being. That is, we are made up of body, soul and spirit. But since the fall of man at the Garden of Eden, man’s focus has always been to polish and concentrate on the outward, which is the body. Imagine a fallen Adam sewing fig leaf to cover his nakedness when actually his soul and spirit were naked before God.
Such is still the case today. Modern man has become very sophisticated in this matter. We spend precious time and treasure in trying to maintain the exterior. The whole fashion and cosmetic industry is devoted to handling the outside and outlook of men and, especially, women. Very unwisely, little or less time, treasure and care are devoted to the inner beauty, the inner life.
In today’s reading, God’s word admonishes the women folk (who seem to be the epicentre of modern-day cosmetic and fashion industry) to rather focus on the inner beauty of godliness. They are to wear, as it were, modesty and humility as under garments. The resultant effects would be good works at home, in the church and workplace.
Depending on the outward life to judge a person often brings about a misjudgment. Hence, God would rather want us to concentrate on the internal. Meanwhile, Jesus, our Lord, had to rebuke the Scribes and Pharisees for their outward show of religion without a corresponding, sincere, inward profession (Matthew 23:25-29).
While true godliness should never be measured by outward observances alone, we should pray for and allow the purity of the inner beauty reflect on the outward to lead others to glorify God on our behalf.
Thought For The Day: True beauty is continuing in faith, charity and holiness with sobriety.
Bible Reading In One Year: Proverbs 30-31
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