Word@Work 1Pet37 - 1 Peter 3:3-4
Published: Tue, 06/16/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
THE SOURCE OF BEAUTY
1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewellery and fine clothes. Instead, 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. (NIV)
It should not be surprising that feminine beauty catches the eye. God designed women to be beautiful. But the global industry in fragrances, make-up, jewellery, fashion and beauty accessories indicates a consumer market that is unsatisfied. And men can be vain as well! As with all other areas of greed, when becoming beautiful becomes an obsession, the mirror reflects spiritual values as well as physical appearance. Of course, it is not wrong to look attractive, any more than it is wrong to be washed and clean: but at what point have you gone beyond caring for your body, to worshipping it - and making it your god?
Peter tells us what is most attractive about a person. It has nothing to do with how we change the outside of our bodies (or even our diet). It comes from deep inside of us. Hearts that are satisfied with the grace of God in Christ Jesus, will become people of quiet confidence and gentle strength. The first person who notices is God, and He is pleased to see it; such people are wearing the fruits of His Holy Spirit. Next, the wife, who is content in her heart because of God's love, will win the trust and respect of her husband; like the woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Charm can be put on to impress and deceive; and physical looks will suffer as aging becomes obvious. But a woman who honours the Lord, will shine with an integrity which years cannot defeat (cf Proverbs 31:30). Although the context for this verse is attractiveness within marriage, especially if the husband does not yet belong to Jesus; the principle needs to run through all of our lives. A satisfied heart will produce a winning loveliness which nobody can deny. So, we must all guard our hearts against the assertiveness, arrogance and greed which may be found in some homes and workplaces (cf Prov 4:23). The first step to getting this area of life right - is to confess that it is wrong. Then entrust yourself to the Lord, to rebuild your heart from the inside.
Prayer: Almighty God. Please forgive me when I think I can impress others by changing my outward appearance. I know that a quiet conscience is more valuable, and a trusting heart is more confident, than any thing else can ever achieve for me. Please help me to invest more in the state of my heart than the look of my face. And please work a new strong gentleness into my life as I keep on choosing to receive Your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
It should not be surprising that feminine beauty catches the eye. God designed women to be beautiful. But the global industry in fragrances, make-up, jewellery, fashion and beauty accessories indicates a consumer market that is unsatisfied. And men can be vain as well! As with all other areas of greed, when becoming beautiful becomes an obsession, the mirror reflects spiritual values as well as physical appearance. Of course, it is not wrong to look attractive, any more than it is wrong to be washed and clean: but at what point have you gone beyond caring for your body, to worshipping it - and making it your god?
Peter tells us what is most attractive about a person. It has nothing to do with how we change the outside of our bodies (or even our diet). It comes from deep inside of us. Hearts that are satisfied with the grace of God in Christ Jesus, will become people of quiet confidence and gentle strength. The first person who notices is God, and He is pleased to see it; such people are wearing the fruits of His Holy Spirit. Next, the wife, who is content in her heart because of God's love, will win the trust and respect of her husband; like the woman described in Proverbs 31:10-31.
Charm can be put on to impress and deceive; and physical looks will suffer as aging becomes obvious. But a woman who honours the Lord, will shine with an integrity which years cannot defeat (cf Proverbs 31:30). Although the context for this verse is attractiveness within marriage, especially if the husband does not yet belong to Jesus; the principle needs to run through all of our lives. A satisfied heart will produce a winning loveliness which nobody can deny. So, we must all guard our hearts against the assertiveness, arrogance and greed which may be found in some homes and workplaces (cf Prov 4:23). The first step to getting this area of life right - is to confess that it is wrong. Then entrust yourself to the Lord, to rebuild your heart from the inside.
Prayer: Almighty God. Please forgive me when I think I can impress others by changing my outward appearance. I know that a quiet conscience is more valuable, and a trusting heart is more confident, than any thing else can ever achieve for me. Please help me to invest more in the state of my heart than the look of my face. And please work a new strong gentleness into my life as I keep on choosing to receive Your love. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
If you value your free Word@Work, click here to make a donation
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
All the 'back copies' for the series in the Bible books of Mark, Ephesians and James can be found on www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
W@W1Pet37 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2009 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk