Faith, Love, Holiness, and Self-control

1 Tim. 3:9

 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 

In v. 8, Paul taught that men should pray in every place, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. Prayer and unity are essential. If the hands are not holy, they are lifted for nothing. Prayer must be a communication untainted from the world. If the heart is right, then there is no anger or quarreling, instead they focus on their one savior, one sacrifice, one redemption, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Prayer unites men on the things that are most important. 

Even though Paul immediately included the women, he seemed to go in a different direction, far beyond prayer. First, he taught about their appearance. They must wear respectable clothing with modesty and self-control. This is what is proper for women who profess godliness.[Somehow their appearance is an evidence of their godliness.] Instead of adorning themselves with elaborate hair styles and costly jewelry and clothing, they are to be adorned with good works. The emphasis goes from personal character to acts of service. In addition they must learn quietly with submissiveness not exercising authority over men.  All of this sounds rather stifling until Paul refers back to Eve who was deceived. Her saving grace was not in taking authority from the man but in child bearing, that is if she continues in love, holiness, and self-control.  In this small passage, Paul mentioned self-control twice. Is this an area that is especially difficult for women? Also Paul has squelched a woman's desire to take over. This teaching would certainly create problems with the women's movement of today. They want empowerment not submission. But for me, Christ has remade me in my heart and desires. Because I love Him, I follow His words resting in the fact that He knows best.

Father,

Make me aware of my heart's desires. Keep me from taking over. Grow me in faith, love, holiness, and self-control.

In His name,

Amen