DEVOTION – DAY 161

1 Peter 3:3-4 “A Gentle And Quiet Spirit”

 

1 Pet.3:3-4 “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.”

Many people want to look their best when they are photographed. They want to show their best profile, put on their best smile, or wear their best clothes because they want to look good when they are photographed. This also explains why some apps are becoming popular because it allows people to photoshop and digitally enhance their digital photos so that they will look good when their photos are seen by others. This emphasis on the outer image is common in today’s world. Our magazines, TV advertisements, Billboards, and so on, encourage us to buy new clothing, new accessories, cosmetics and beauty products of all kinds so that we can look our best. The suggestion is that when we look good on the outside, we will feel good on the inside.

But we know that suggestion is not true. The outside image that people project for others to see is superficial. The outside image often gives no indication to what a person is really like on the inside. 1 Peter 3:3-4 reminds us that we should not rely on clothes, accessories and hairstyle to project a good image as if that is all that matters. What is more important is that we should focus on cultivating a good character, good morals and Christian values – what the apostle Peter refers to as “a gentle and quiet spirit”. Instead of trying to impress other people, we should focus on impressing God. Since God is more interested in our characters and hearts rather than on how impressive we look, the advice in these verses is good for all of us to follow.

We know someone who was single. He wanted to settle down. He had tried dating attractive women thinking that he would find the woman of his dreams. Since he had been unsuccessful, we decided to help him. We asked him to list down the characteristics he would like to see in his future life partner. We helped him to realize that many of the characteristics he sought in his future life partner were not related to outward beauty but inner beauty and character. We asked him to submit his quest to the Lord and to keep an open mind. He started dating women based on their personality and character rather than how well they looked. Before long, he met someone whom he grew to love and he married her. He had found someone with a gentle and quiet spirit.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that is our constant guide. Help us to always focus on your values and not worldly values. In the precious name of the Lord Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. Why do people go after what looks attractive and appealing on the surface? Discuss.
  2. What are some instances where you see people today focus on external appearances without caring about what really matters? Discuss.
  3. What are the internal values that God finds worthy? Read Gal.5:22-23.
  4. In the light of this devotion, what changes will you make in the way you look at things in the future?