Jump Start # 614

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

Our verse today addresses the subject of modesty. That subject, for many, seems to be old fashioned, and something that belongs in grandma’s days. Well, it’s not. The problems associated with immodesty are just as alive as they ever have been. Prom dresses, wedding dresses and what some wear to the mall are shocking. It’s even more shocking that Christians are wearing these things without any reservations. Jeremiah 6 says that the people in his days no longer blushed. I wonder if we are there, ourselves. Modesty matters. Not just in church buildings, but on vacation, or anywhere else.

The thought I want to look at is not so much the theme of modesty but Paul’s statement, “making a claim to godliness.” That’s the problem with immodesty—folks aren’t trying to be godly. They are not making that claim.

Making a claim to godliness is a definition of life. It affects multiple areas of life. I have a friend who loves University of Kentucky basketball, bless her heart! She is a die hard fan. She attends the games. She listens to the radio discussions after the game and then she comes home and watches the game again that she taped on TV. She wears wildcat blue. I’ve never seen her with blue hair, but it wouldn’t surprise me. Everyone knows she’s a fan. She shows her colors. She’s proud of her team. She knows the players names, backgrounds and all kinds of information about the team. She is a true fan. She makes a claim! There is no doubt what team she pulls for.

Now, consider that thought spiritually, about Jesus. A person making a claim to godliness is going to be known as godly. What they do, what they talk about, what they know, what they are interested in is going to surround Jesus and godliness. Their true colors will be known.

There is a difference between a real fan of a team and someone who hops on the bandwagon at the end of the season. The true fan has been following the team all season long. They have been there through the low periods and the losses. They have stuck with them. Others get excited about a team near the end of the season. They become a seasonal fan—liking them only when they are winning big and about to head to tournaments. They do not know much about the team. They haven’t stuck with them long.

Making a claim to godliness—means a person will show it, talk about it, know something about it, be interested in it, follow it, and be excited about it. Making a claim…

Making a claim has two affects.

First, there is an internal affect. It doesn’t something to the person making the claim. They think about God and being godly. They seek to please God. Godly people are their people. They walk with God. They pursue godly things. They want to be godly.

Second, it has an external affect. Those around them know them to be a godly person. Their behavior is a bit different, it’s godly. They pray before they eat. They watch their attitude, words, and actions. They have a positive affect upon others. They are good to be around. They can be counted upon. Their word is their word. They are helpful, dependable and confident. They freely talk about things of the Bible. They aren’t ashamed to be seen carrying a Bible in their hand. People know them for their hard work. They are a resource for help with life. People tend to gravitate to them because of who they are.

Making a claim. It’s not showing off, it’s not pretense, it’s not “in your face” stuff. It’s something that they have found to be right, good and true. They want to be godly. They will make that their choice. They don’t waver when others, especially in the family, don’t make that claim. That doesn’t stop them.

Making a claim—it will make a person modest, in all areas. It will make a person prayerful, in all areas. It will make a person Biblical, in all areas. It will lead to pleasing God, in all areas.

Make the claim—have you? Do people around you know that? Fitting in and blending in are not as important as making the claim—first to God, then to self, and finally to others. I am a Christian! I belong to Jesus! I worship on Sunday. I give money, time and talent to the cause of Christ. I believe in Him. I stand with Him. That’s the claim.

It’s time to make it, if you haven’t.

Roger