1 Timothy 2: 8-10 – “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. 9 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.”
What is Paul saying here? He is not saying that ONLY men should pray. He is more focused on HOW men should pray. He wants us to lift up holy hands, without anger or conflict. Hands that are lifted up must be holy – hands that are set apart for God and are not given over to evil. How can God hear our prayers if we are busy fulfilling the lusts of our flesh and dancing with the devil? He also says not to pray while we are angry or doubting. Think about this- a prayer lifted up to God while we are angry could do more harm than good!
Women, we are called to dress modestly with decency. Paul also uses the word propriety. Propriety asks the question- is this outfit appropriate for the place I am going? Is it going to call inappropriate attention to myself? Paul is telling the women that spending your time looking pretty and doing your hair is useless for the Lord. Instead spend your time doing good deeds and being a worthy ambassador for Christ. Good works make a woman more beautiful than an elaborate hairstyle or any jewelry. This includes the way we talk to others, our tone of voice, our words, and our actions. If we could add a little kindness into someone’s day instead of negativity, we are doing our jobs as women who profess to worship God.
1st Timothy 3: 16-17 “16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I have a question for you. Are you a servant of God? Do people in the real world see you as a servant of God?
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