“Your
beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and
the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your
inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great
worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
The Apostle Peter is
writing to various churches in the Asia Minor area. In the 3rd chapter of his letter
Peter is giving instructions to Christian women who have non-Christian
husbands. He is speaking directly to a woman’s preoccupation with their outward
appearance, yet not suggesting a blanket prohibition of modest adornment. The Apostle is alluding to the fact that the
hidden person of the heart will be the most effective witness to an unsaved
spouse, rather then their fleshly outward appearance.
Today
many women, both young and old, adorn themselves with alluring fashion to get a man. Their self-worth is tied up in their physical
appearance. They over-exercise, starve
themselves to stay thin and submit to physical enhancements as a means to keep
the man they’ve gotten. Eventually
everyone’s looks fade. However, a person who lives for Christ always looks
vibrant and alive because of their inner person. It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul* It is true especially of a Christian, for their spirit is alive within them and shines thru their
eyes. You can see a visible difference
in a Christian or at least you should.
A
woman who has a gentle, quiet spirit not only has great worth to God, but also
to her husband. A godly woman can be a
stabilizing force in any marriage. Her
loving support and kindness makes it easy for her to submit to her
husband. The believing husband is to
first love his wife as Christ loves the church and willingly gave His life for
it. His
loving kindness will lead to her reciprocate in like kind. With an unsaved husband, the wife’s humble
spirit and supportive submission will give her the best chance of leading him
to Christ; that along with earnest prayer for his soul. Until next time, walk with the King and be a
blessing!
Resources: The Reformation Study Bible; The
Asbury Bible Commentary.
* Unknown.
Another verse regarding this topic: 1 Timothy 2:9-10 “I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and
propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls
or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to
worship God.”
The
recipients of Peter letter: Peter addresses believers who make up several
Christian communities scattered throughout Asia Minor. That these believers
were predominantly Gentile in background seems clear from his description of
their former lifestyle (1 Peter 1:14, 18; 4:3).
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