But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
“16. The bishops and clergy may not adorn themselves with showy apparel. If they do so, they are to be punished. The like applies to those who anoint them. As, however, the accusers of the Christians (iconoclasts) not merely rejected the sacred images, but also persecuted with hatred those who passed ascetic lives, every one is to be punished who mocks men who are poorly and reverently clad, for in ancient times every cleric wore a poor and reverent garment, and no one made use of gay silken apparel or of a colored decoration at the border of his mantle.”
Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787) in “Canon 16” in History of the Councils of the Church, Volume 5; by Charles Joseph Hefele, 315.
I shot this header photo of the seventh of the seven councils in the cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in Kyiv of this council. A primary topic of this council was the adoration of iconography.
Notice in the photo the presence of many images and icons. The council determined that icons should be treated with respect and veneration but not adoration, which should be reserved for God alone.
1. Council of Nicaea (A.D. 325)
2. Council of Constantinople (A.D. 381)
3. Council of Ephesus (A.D. 431)
4. Council of Chalcedon (A.D. 451)
5. Second Council of Constantinople (A.D. 553)
6. Third Council of Constantinople (A.D. 680)
7. Second Council of Nicaea (A.D. 787)
Another issue the council had to deal with relates to the apparel of the bishops and clergy. They were dressing too fancy and not exhibiting the simplicity and contentment Paul wanted Timothy to model for the church in Ephesus.
This strikes a nerve with me. I really don’t like it when I see any Christian workers, CEO’s, pastors, or board members looking flashy or showy in their appearance. What may be a turn on with the world should be a turn off to us.
We must show our piety not with our apparel but with our good deeds. I am not against having nice clothing. I would urge God’s servants to move beyond flashy and showy and instead focus on utility and simplicity.
This not only creates margin for greater generosity. It also positions people to shift their focus off of us and on to Jesus and what Jesus is doing among us.