LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Piety and Woman
In Paul’s last epistles to Timothy and Titus, a word appears several times that is not mentioned in the previous ones: piety. Its presence is explained by the advanced deterioration that the church already shows. It forces the apostle to use a term that means the integrity and coherence of the Christian life, that is, not only as a faith that is carried in the heart but as a way of life.
Paul frequently uses this word, applying it to the most varied spheres of human life. He expects godliness to be the way of life for Christians. Thus, he applies it to women, to family life, to youth, to the Christian's attitude toward goods.
Concerning the Christian woman, the apostle says: "I wish, therefore, that … women, in becoming apparel, with modesty and sobriety to adorn themselves, not in braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or garments of great price, but — which becometh women professing godly piety — through good works." (1 Tim. 2:8-10 YLT). In women, piety has to do with their appearance and, fundamentally, with their works.
The woman takes great care in her appearance, her body, and her dress. She is acutely aware of her beauty and natural grace. Then a big dilemma arises for her. Regarding this matter, Paul presents two options: on the one hand, decent clothes, decency, and modesty; on the other, ostentation, expensive dresses, gold, and pearls. He says yes to the first, not to the latter. And that must go hand in hand with good works, "which becometh women professing godly piety."
What does a Christian woman evoke in those who see her? Does she look like a woman of the world, very fashionable with luxurious decorations? Is her appearance evocative of inner beauty, modesty, purity, and holiness? It is not intended to propose for her a ridiculous and old-fashioned style of dress, nor is it to encourage carelessness in her presentation. This goes beyond external things and refers to the impression that the woman leaves on the heart.
If a Christian woman reminds others of a worldly woman or a certain fashion; moreover, if she arouses some impure desire, then she is lending her beauty to the banal and dishonorable. If, on the other hand, she has a radiant air of true inner beauty, then she has won a victory over her vanity, and she will have set an example that other women can follow.
This is the "adorning…of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious." (1 Pet. 3:4 ESV). This is true godly piety – and true beauty – in women.