I also want women to dress . . . with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. (1 Tim. 2:9–10)

Focus. Just focus. A person in the front row of the church service was acting in a very worshipful way—for him. However, I found it very distracting! I shifted my eyes from his actions and tried to focus on the words of the song. I even told myself to focus because sometimes I have a problem with keeping my attention on the project at hand. But my eyes went back to check on the man’s actions. Finally, I bowed my head in prayer asking God to help me worship. Then I turned my head to the screen on the other side of the auditorium and praised God in song.

Paul asked the Ephesian women to dress modestly and in a wholesome manner, as if they respected themselves. He also suggested they not overdress with hair ornaments or jewelry. Paul wanted the men to focus on worshiping God and not be distracted by others. He also wanted the women to worship and not harbor jealous thoughts and feelings about what others were wearing compared to their apparel. In other words, God wants men and women to be able to focus on worship, the Word, and application to life change.

Focus. Focus on helping others worship and focus on your worship of an awesome God.

Consider whether your appearance or actions distract others from worship.

Gena Duncan lives with her husband in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in the summer and Naples, Florida, in the winter. She authored They Walked with God (WestBow Press).

© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.