This past few months, I have been in a Bible study of I Peter. A portion of this past week’s study was on the passage below. It is a reminder of what GOD’s priorities are regarding beauty vs. what those of our culture tend to be.
How different! The emphasis of our culture is on the beautiful hairdo, jewelry and the stunning, sexy clothes we wear, all designed to put the spotlight on us and how beautiful we are (on the outside!) It isn’t saying we can’t fix our hair, wear jewelry or clothing! It is talking about where we put our priorities in terms of beauty.
GOD’s priority for us is a beauty that is hidden. It isn’t as obvious to the human eye. It’s the kind of beauty that is seen as one gets to know a person who has it. stop
Do not let your adorning be external—
the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart
with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
which in God’s sight is very precious.
For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves,
by submitting to their own husbands,
as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord.
And you are her children,
if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
I Peter 3:3-6
As we looked further into the passage, we found that a description of this gentle and quiet spirit is described in more detail further down in verse 8.
Finally, all of you,
have unity of mind,
sympathy,
brotherly love,
a tender heart,
and a humble mind.I Peter 3:8
Looking closer, we realized that this didn’t mean we have to be quiet and timid. The last line in verse 6 bears that out for certain! As daughters of Sarah, we don’t need to fear anything that is frightening! As we looked up definitions and synonyms for some of the words in verse 8 along with comparing translations, we came across words like harmony, compassion, tenderness, humility, to name a few.
Why? Because her trust was not in her husband, but ultimately in the Lord to whom her husband was responsible…and who (the Lord) was caring for her. Her husband might be a tool to teach her to trust GOD in new ways, but he is not the one she trusts in. That is how she is able to develop this gentle quiet spirit that reflects love, compassion and humility…no matter what her temperament is.
As women who are adorned with gentle and quiet spirits, we will find ourselves dealing with others with humility, tenderness, wanting to live in true harmony despite disagreements. Share on XAs women who are adorned with gentle and quiet spirits, we will find ourselves dealing with others with humility, tenderness, wanting to live in true harmony despite disagreements. Think of how harmony works in music. It either blends in a good way or it clashes into dissonance.
We have a choice regarding how we live with differences. If we choose to live with them in a way that causes true harmony, GOD’s assessment of us will be that we are beautiful in the ways He sees beauty!
Martha, I really like where you took the word this week. That passage in 1 Peter is one of my favorites. Not easy to live up to sometimes, but always a good standard.
I liked what you said here: “GOD’s priority for us is a beauty that is hidden. It isn’t as obvious to the human eye. It’s the kind of beauty that is seen as one gets to know a person who has it.”
May we seek to grow in the beauty that God desires for us. Have a great weekend, friend.
thanks jeanne:) i have truly loved this study. it has been very refreshing. this one is written by jen wilkin ( you may have heard of her from the gospel coalition). this chapter has that really scary verse for husbands too! (3:7)
Great post! I’m usually not a makeup girl.
thanks tara:) i’m a makeup girl, but went to a high school that didn’t allow makeup. it was good for that part of my life to focus on the internal as opposed to the external. later, i learned how to put on makeup but don’t spend a lot of time on it. that was one exercise we had to think about in our Bible study last week…how much time do you spend on fixing your body? how much time do you spend developing your quiet spirit? it was interesting to think about!
Yes! I decided back in my 30s that I’d rather spend time with Jesus than waste it in front of a mirror. I’ll put on mascara every 6-7 months when I want to look ‘made up.’ My goal is to seek beauty in others.
i love it anita:)