Living for God | Why Character Matters More Than Clothes (1 Timothy 2:10)
We've spent three days talking about the way we dress, but let's read that whole verse in 1 Timothy 2 again: "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, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God" (1 Timothy 2:9-10 NIV11).
What must define you? Not your dress. Not your appearance. Be known and respected for your good deeds as a worshipper of God. That's what matters most.
Why Good Deeds Matter More Than Appearance
Maxie Dunnam wrote these words which really convicted me: "A spirituality that does not lead to active ministry is an indulgent preoccupation with self, and therefore grieves the Holy Spirit and violates the presence of the indwelling Christ."
I think she's right. If your faith in Jesus hasn't led you to good deeds, which are appropriate for those who profess to worship God, then perhaps you are missing the point entirely.
It's obvious to me that while appearance does matter, actions matter more. Because there are many who appear respectable but aren't. There are others who do good works while caring less for their appearance, and I think that's also wrong. I think it must be both, because in the end all areas of life should honour God.
Actions, of course, speak louder than words, it is said. Another way of putting it is a doctrine lived is better than a doctrine preached.
Saying all the right things means little if you aren't doing it. Actions matter.
Living Out Your Faith Every Day
Paul ends this passage with a similar message. He says to the women: "Continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety" (1 Timothy 2:15b NIV11). Don't neglect this. Continue in it. Let your life and not just your look show your faith, your love, your holiness.
Nazarene minister Virgil Mills tells a story which I think is fitting here:
“Several years ago, in my very first full-time ministry position, I had the responsibility of leading a weekend youth retreat. As part of the programme that weekend, I showed a film titled 'Super Christian'. With tongue-in-cheek humour, the young star of the film dressed in his super Christian outfit for Sunday morning worship. He performed with outstanding religious precision throughout the entire morning. He acted very piously until his arrival at home at noon. Then things began to change radically. As soon as his special Sunday-go-to-meeting outfit was replaced by normal clothing, he went from super Christian to something much less. This much less version carried through into Monday and beyond.
As I recall the story, this young man eventually saw his need for a genuine change of heart and life. He came to see that Christianity was meant to be lived on Monday morning, as well as on Sunday.”
Letting Your Character Speak Louder Than Your Clothes
I like that. Your faith is meant to be lived on Monday morning as well as on Sunday. You don't put on your Christian clothes for church, and then conform to the world at the office! You live like Christ 24-7.
This ends up 'adorning' you more beautifully than any clothes can ever do.
Appearance matters, but Paul makes it clear that our good deeds matter far more than how we look. Ask yourself today whether your actions this week have matched the faith you profess on a Sunday.