1 Peter 3:1-4
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear - 4 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.
These verses are directed toward women, but the principle can apply to all of us. If we are honest with ourselves, we spend a lot of time and energy trying to impress others, often to be seen as attractive or sexy. But that outward flash is temporary, it does not last. Instead, our focus should be on "the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" (verse 4). It is our inner self that will last for eternity. How much time and effort are we putting into developing a "gentle and quiet spirit"? Furthermore, verse 2 suggests that our "pure conduct" can be a witness to others. What do others see in me? Do they see someone who ogles other people, or someone who demonstrates purity in my interactions? Especially in our sex-saturated culture, purity can be a noticeable differentiator, that God can use to point people to His truth.
Lord, help me to develop a gentle spirit, and to reflect your purity.
1 Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, 2 when they see your respectful and pure conduct. 3 Do not let your adorning be external - the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear - 4 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.
These verses are directed toward women, but the principle can apply to all of us. If we are honest with ourselves, we spend a lot of time and energy trying to impress others, often to be seen as attractive or sexy. But that outward flash is temporary, it does not last. Instead, our focus should be on "the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit" (verse 4). It is our inner self that will last for eternity. How much time and effort are we putting into developing a "gentle and quiet spirit"? Furthermore, verse 2 suggests that our "pure conduct" can be a witness to others. What do others see in me? Do they see someone who ogles other people, or someone who demonstrates purity in my interactions? Especially in our sex-saturated culture, purity can be a noticeable differentiator, that God can use to point people to His truth.
Lord, help me to develop a gentle spirit, and to reflect your purity.