A Godly Woman’s Fashion Statement

We’ve spent the past two weeks learning that women should dress modestly, yet attractively, and should not dress seductively or ostentatiously. 

However, there is one more wardrobe essential found in 1 Timothy 2:9-10. It’s a fashion accessory a godly woman simply can’t do without. Did you notice it? “Women should adorn themselves…with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works” (emphasis mine).

What is appropriate, fitting adornment for the woman who has been rescued from sin and brought into the kingdom of God? Good works.

Now, by good works, Paul doesn’t mean actions that make us acceptable to God. We are only able to stand before God because of the righteousness of Christ. Rather, these good works are what Jerry Bridges calls, “deliberate deeds that are helpful to others.” (The Practice of Godliness, p. 232) 

They are acts of kindness that are evidence of our salvation.

And these good works are not optional for the godly woman. They are essential.

So here are a couple of questions to consider (thanks to my dad):

Which do you think about more—shopping or good works?
What are you most noticed for—what you wear or your kind deeds?
What is most eye-catching about you—your clothing or your character?

You see, instead of seeking to garner attention and praise for her physical body, as the immodest girl does, the woman who is devoted to good works reflects glory back to God.

As John Stott explains, “It is when people see these good works that they will glorify God, for they embody the good news of his love which we proclaim.” (The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, p. 62)

Now we haven’t been left to guess what good works we are supposed to do. God has already given us a “to do list.” And tomorrow, we’ll check it out.