Word@Work 1Pet38 - 1 Peter 3:5-6
Published: Wed, 06/17/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
HOLINESS BREEDS CONFIDENCE
1 Peter 3:5-6 For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. (NIV)
Holiness should not make people dull or dowdy. Instead, holiness (the desire to be set apart for God and His service) should be very attractive. The English saying, "Beauty is the eye of the beholder" misses the key to real beauty - which is a deep love for the Lord and a heartfelt passion to please Him. Beauty comes from a God-loved heart, a quiet conscience and a satisfied spirit; which no jewellery can ever manufacture. The key to these qualities is submission, the willing acceptance of God's right over us, and to accept what He allows.
The example of Sarah in the Old Testament is interesting. Although the Genesis text does not show her to be perfect, she recognised Abraham to be the head of their household, and the one who took responsibility for household decisions. She was not prevented from making suggestions, or expressing her opinion even when she was wrong. And in the end she received the blessing of her submission to her husband's will. Despite the strange circumstances of their lives, she learned to grow in trust and refuse to give in to fear.
The temptation to solve our problems in our own way, is always present. Often when we consider that matters are hopeless, we take action out of desperation or fear. But God has appointed husbands to take the final responsibility, under God, in the home. But whatever the situation at home, living in apprehension all the time is not good, because God will honour those who submit themselves to him, and who trust themselves to Him.
Prayer: Father God. Please help me to cultivate holiness in my life; to desire to please You in everything. Help me to choose to place myself under the authority of those You have given to protect and lead me. And even when they make wrong decisions, give me the grace to still respect them and to trust You to protect me in situations I cannot control. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Holiness should not make people dull or dowdy. Instead, holiness (the desire to be set apart for God and His service) should be very attractive. The English saying, "Beauty is the eye of the beholder" misses the key to real beauty - which is a deep love for the Lord and a heartfelt passion to please Him. Beauty comes from a God-loved heart, a quiet conscience and a satisfied spirit; which no jewellery can ever manufacture. The key to these qualities is submission, the willing acceptance of God's right over us, and to accept what He allows.
The example of Sarah in the Old Testament is interesting. Although the Genesis text does not show her to be perfect, she recognised Abraham to be the head of their household, and the one who took responsibility for household decisions. She was not prevented from making suggestions, or expressing her opinion even when she was wrong. And in the end she received the blessing of her submission to her husband's will. Despite the strange circumstances of their lives, she learned to grow in trust and refuse to give in to fear.
The temptation to solve our problems in our own way, is always present. Often when we consider that matters are hopeless, we take action out of desperation or fear. But God has appointed husbands to take the final responsibility, under God, in the home. But whatever the situation at home, living in apprehension all the time is not good, because God will honour those who submit themselves to him, and who trust themselves to Him.
Prayer: Father God. Please help me to cultivate holiness in my life; to desire to please You in everything. Help me to choose to place myself under the authority of those You have given to protect and lead me. And even when they make wrong decisions, give me the grace to still respect them and to trust You to protect me in situations I cannot control. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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