Daughters of Eve, Children of the King pt 1
Introduction
Wrong Adornment
shrinks from overpassing the limits of womanly reserve and modesty, as well as from the dishonour which would justly attach thereto
Immodest re: resources
Immodest re: sexual attraction
While certain aspects of this are somewhat culturally bound (e.g., braided hair with gold), the basic principles are timeless; priorities should not be based on the external, and the external must be an accurate representation of the internal.
Reasons behind immodesty
In effect, Paul is saying that when such attitudes self-consciously control a woman’s mind, the result is evident in her modest apparel.
Desire for men to desire
Desire to compete against other women
Ignorance of how men “work”
Just as Christian men needed to be warned that their interest in vigor and discussion should not produce strife and dissension (v. 8), so Christian women needed to be warned that their interest in beauty and adornment should not produce immodesty and indiscretion.
Right Adornment
Do adorn!
With proper clothing, modesty, and self-control
How does a woman discern the sometimes fine line between proper dress and dressing to be the center of attention? The answer starts in the intent of the heart. A woman should examine her motives and goals for the way she dresses. Is her intent to show the grace and beauty of womanhood? Is it to show her love and devotion to her husband and his goodness to her? Is it to reveal a humble heart devoted to worshiping God? Or is it to call attention to herself, and flaunt her wealth and beauty? Or worse, to attempt to allure men sexually? A woman who focuses on worshiping God will consider carefully how she is dressed, because her heart will dictate her wardrobe and appearance.