God > i

1 Timothy 2:8-11 (NIV) I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.

I read and re-read this teaching from Paul to Timothy. I struggled with the wording because it felt like a personal attack on women.  I was wondering what Paul had against the females of his time. I pondered how these words were meant to be heard. Just what was going on during this time in history to cause Paul to use such strong language as, "A woman should learn in quietness and full submission."

The message version was equally as challenging for me to read and understand while keeping a gentle spirit toward Paul.  And I want women to get in there with the men in humility before God, not primping before a mirror or chasing the latest fashions...(MSG) 

These words make it sound as though the women Paul encountered may be have been shallow and self-absorbed. So, I prayed for wisdom. For understanding and the right words to share with you because I imagine I am not alone in my confusion.

This will always be a puzzle to me, but I felt God encouraged me by showing me the words of Paul were to be taken as positive strides and not condemnation if women. Paul acknowledged that women were to pray and to do so in humility. In an era when women were seldom regarded as more than slaves, it was progress to encourage women to pray and practice modesty when doing so.

Prayer is always to be approached from a humble posture.  Were they to dress in a flashy fashion, drawing attention to themselves, how would God be praised? It is imperative today too, that we approach the throne of God with reverence. For it is not about us, but about The One Who is Greater. The Words in John 3:30 come to mind. 

"He must become greater; I must become less.”

1 Timothy 2