Tuesday, July 14, 2009

True Woman Tuesday: Week 5

True Woman Tuesday
We are continuing this week with 1 Timothy 2:9-10.
9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.


Is modesty all about the way we dress, or is it more? In this lesson we learn that modesty is also a matter of the heart. Nancy says that "A woman's greatest loveliness comes through a modest heart; and a modest heart expresses itself in modest behavior, modest dress, modest reactions, and modest attitudes."

I don't believe I have a problem with dressing modestly. But, maybe I have become too accustomed to the way some people talk about things in mixed company. It says in this lesson, a modest woman knows how to blush and is embarrassed by such talk. I don't think that's always true for me. Maybe I don't get embarrassed enough by some of this talk. I need to work on being more reserved.

The next part is on self control. Y'all, they wrote this section just for me, lol! Nancy's talking about all kinds of self control. Can I hold my tongue? I'm working on this one now. Some days are so hard and I still fail at this, but I hope with practice, it'll be easier. Do I say everything that comes to mind? Usually I do, but, again I am trying to hold those thoughts captive in my head. That can be tough, but I'm trying.

She also talks about self control in relation to diet and exercise. That's another problem area for me. I'm extremely overweight. One area I definitely need to improve on is exercise, since I'm not doing any right now. I also could eat a little less and not eat ice cream. These things sound kinda easy right now, but for me, they are not.

Another thing she mentions is having self control over our schedules. I don't have this either. I don't plan and am always late for everything. This doesn't make anything any easier! I told you this lesson was all about me!

The last part of today's lesson focuses on reflecting God's glory. Nancy says the apostle is trying to tell us to “Clothe yourselves in a way that is becoming, fitting for your profession of godliness.” What is godliness? Being like God. You see, we’re giving the world an impression of God.

The scripture probably isn't saying you can't fix your hair for church or that you shouldn't dress nicely. It's saying your most important reason for coming should be to worship Jesus, not to be noticed. Because, if you think of it, most of the time people dress a certain way they are trying to impress someone. You can't impress Him by the way you look on the outside only by your heart.

If you want to read what other ladies thought of this weeks lesson go to Valley Girl. I am really enjoying reading everyone's thoughts on our studies. These ladies have been very encouraging to me!

9 comments:

Shannon said...

Self control..... this is something I REALLY need to work on in the diet and exercise area. :)

KathyB. said...

There are a lot of things here you mentioned that have given me cause ( or pause ) to think. Self-control is always hard , especially when it is easy , particularly in our country and culture, to justify and get away with just about anything. If someone questions us, even if it is someone we love and trust, why we ( I ) get all indignant and sling that 'I' word around. (Intolerant ) That word is the magic dirty word in this country...and grossly misused. All because a little self-control is hard, and you're right. Our attitude about all self control comes from our heart!

Tammy said...

Every lesson just seems to be so convicting! Just shows how much we've been brainwashed by society - we don't even notice ourselves slipping into these worldly patterns until they've become so entrenched in our lives that it's so hard to overcome. But nothing is impossible for God!

Thanks for your thoughts - and your humility in admitting the areas you need to work on.

Susanne said...

Girfriend, I was right there with you on the self control part! It seemed that every area she covered was one with which I struggle. But I also love that she constantly reminds us that we can't do it alone. That self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, and the more we let Jesus have control of our lives, the more we will be like Him!!

tammi said...

Oh, sweetie, you really bared your soul and I so appreciate your honesty and openness. It's so hard to admit failures. The good thing is you're not alone (but you knew that, right?!), and the GREAT thing is, we're here, right alongside you, lifting you up in prayer as you struggle to change. Change is ALWAYS hard work, but there's no reward without it.

I need to work on being more reserved, too. For years, I've actually PRIDED myself on not being too shy to talk about anything, and though it has been beneficial when talking with a group of youth girls or younger, newly married women who have questions, but at the same time, I'm pretty sure I haven't necessarily been seeking to honour God in these conversations. I need to re-learn how to blush a little.

Great thoughts, Nancy, and again, thank you so much for sharing so personally. You can count on a few extra prayers from me this week!!

Barb J. said...

All those issues of self-control are hard for me, too, Nancy. It seems that I am constantly working on them. Sometimes I just want to say, "Lord, can I rest now?" But I know I have to continually strive to be better. Thanks for being open and transparent for us!

Mandie said...

I love this lesson! I think I have the modesty thing down just really need to work on the rest. It is easier said then done I agree!

Paula said...

This was a wonderful post, Nancy- I can totally relate to what you're saying! And although I don't have too much trouble watching my mouth around people I don't know very well- sadly it's usually the ones closest to me! I say too many negative things sometimes when I should try to be more positive... thanks so much for sharing this today!

Pamela said...

I find it interesting that we all are finding that the lessons are directed right at us! Maybe we all need to work on our modesty and realize it is not all about us, lol! I appreciate your honesty in this post and I am encouraged by your thoughts and your desire to do better. It is awesome to share our burdens with others and somehow the load seems just a bit lighter that way.