1st Timothy 2:10. “But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
WITH GOOD WORKS. I see her laboring diligently, preparing good food
And listen to her comments, planning how to do good For one who is older and in obvious need Or one who is younger and needs a woman who sees What is happening, and what really should be done And goes out of her way to give her some Good advice and guidance to help her avoid Something in her life that would dishonor the Lord.
I see her traveling to one who has had a great loss And staying to help the other a deep valley to cross, By filling needs she knows must be done with care; And with her good works, another’s burden she bares. She sits and listens as grief pours out like a flood And when it’s appropriate, she commits her audibly to God Reminding the sufferer that she is not alone And God is there to supply grace when we come to His throne.
I see her when others are stuck and don’t know what to do She is there to advise and help, drawing on what she’s been through And from experiences in her life, she has learned to help them Cross barriers and bridges that women know better than men. Whether it is an aged woman who needs urgent help Or a younger woman who thinks her life is put on a shelf – A godly woman can see clearly what is the mind of the Lord, And with her good works and godliness, shows Christian love.
“Father of the needy: I thank Thee for my wife Linda, who seems to know so well what to do and how far to go in ministering to the saints. She uses her intelligence, her wisdom, her inherent grace, and God-given gifts in so many excellent ways. Bless her, I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”
Godliness is essential in the variety of circumstances we encounter in life. Ten times in the pastoral epistles, particularly 1st Timothy, godliness is taught as a necessary part of Christian life and testimony. For the men, the public prayers in the assembly are that we might live godly lives. In relation to the women, their personal testimony associated with their apparel is evidence of their godliness. Godliness is at the foundation of assembly testimony [1Tim.3:16] and also in the personal life of "a good servant of Jesus Christ." Godliness in the verb form (piety) is shown at home. In business, godliness is a safeguard against covetousness and shady dealing that hinders one's testimony. In all these spheres of life: home, assembly, and business, our testimony is at stake. So, I need to ask myself - Am I selfish at home, divisive and contentious in the assembly? Tight and shady in business? The Lord Jesus was the true manifestation of Christ in godliness. In every part of His life, there was no question as to the uniqueness and godliness of His person - in His incarnation, baptism, public ministry, and His death, resurrection, and ascension.
The deeds, "good works" to which Paul refers, contrast the cheapness of expensive clothes with godly character and Christian service. “Professing” claims testifies to inner faith, which expresses itself in good works [Jas. 2:17-18]. Godliness cannot be applied externally. It comes from within. The Gospel message affirmed the value of women before God, and their equality in the Body of Christ [Gal. 3:28]. There is a great contrast between modesty and decency, and glamour and costly clothes. Goodness and godliness go together, as does quietness and submission. A display of wealth - gold, pearls, and elaborate hairstyles, and worldliness are not consistent with godliness.