Adorning the Gospel

“Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2:9-10

“Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel  rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4

Jews and Romans in Bible times enjoyed dressing themselves in elaborate ornaments and jewelry, and we continue this tradition to today.  Many times in the scriptures it refers to adorning oneself with ornaments, as a way to signify preparation.  In context of Titus above, servants would often have been called on to dress their masters, and even adorn them with these ornaments.  The servants would have well known the beauty of the ornaments.  In the verse above, Paul writes that servants, and also us, should adorn the gospel with their lives.

What does it mean to “adorn” the gospel? Paul mentions abandoning a sinful life and living a life that is self -controlled, righteous, and godly in verse 12.  Peter also addresses adornment (above) while addressing women.  We read that Jews often had dressed themselves with scriptures hanging from and written on their robes.  Pharisees then took that and turned it into having a helper travel with them yelling “holy” or “righteous” drawing all attention of those traveling around them to the Pharisee; so that everyone would know these “special” men.  Peter tells the women (and many men) that it is not only outward ornaments of jewelry and fine clothes, but our conduct and spirit should also show the message of the gospel.

If we listen to Peter & Paul’s messages our lives will exhibit the fruits of the spirit (mercy, kindness, gentleness, patience, etc) and this will be beautiful to God.  But moreover than that, lives obsessed with showing these fruits will also draw attention from the world.  Others will wonder why our lives are more in control, joyous, and content.  This attention then gives us opportunity to transfer the inquirer to Jesus and the Gospel.  There are still Pharisees today trying to proclaim their holiness  through pious living, flashy clothes, or extravagant use of their talents.  These people are like a piece of gaudy jewelry, detracting from the true beauty of the gospel.  We are not Pharisees looking to gain attention for self, but focused on showing the world a picture of the gospel.  Like a piece of fine jewelry draws attention to the wearer, our lives will draw attention to the gospel. What do we show?