STEWARDSHIP OF THE BODY (PART 2)

“in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” (1 Tim. 2:9-10 NKJV)

As we continue the thoughts from last week, God covered the nakedness of Adam and Eve with tunics of skin (Gen. 3:21). These garments went from the shoulders to the knees. In connection with covering nakedness, there is also the instruction for our apparel to be modest with propriety and moderation.

The word “modest” is the idea of orderly, well-arranged, or seemly. “Propriety” means with a sense of shame and is translated as “reverence” in Hebrews 12:28. This word would always restrain a good person from an unworthy act or in other words, something that would cause shame. “Moderation” is connected with self-control (cf. 1 Tim. 2:15) and reason (cf. Acts 26:25). When all concepts are combined we see that our clothing should be such that we do not draw excess attention to ourselves, “braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing,” but would be orderly, reverent, and with self-control. The true beauty of anyone is their godliness and good works (cf. 1 Pt. 3:3-4).

If more time was spent in pointing others to Christ than drawing attention to ourselves more good could be accomplished! This is the point. As stewards of our bodies let us be sure that our bodies are adequately covered and that we are not drawing excessive attention to ourselves. To make it plain (Hab. 2:2): miniskirts, low cut clothing, short shorts, sheer or see-through clothing, tight fitting clothing such as spandex, yoga pants, or leggings, most (if not all) prom dresses, muscle shirts (or no shirt), tank tops, cheerleading outfits, and the like all fall into the category of lacking modesty with propriety and moderation and many times expose nakedness. This clothing will draw attention to the human body and oftentimes that is the very design of the clothing. Let us as Christians be good stewards of our bodies and not set a stumbling block before others.

Trent Thrasher