Moment With The Master
“Gentle and Quiet Spirit”
Categories: Moment With The MasterDo not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” (1 Peter 3:3,4)
The message in this context is specifically addressing women; however, there are some principles that would apply to all disciples. True disciples give greater care to adorning the soul, than to the physical body.
Society has always placed a great emphasis on how we look on the outside. Much of the way men and women dress, whether too much or too few clothes, is driven by a desire to impress other humans. In the world, what is on the outside counts far more than what is on the inside.
Peter’s statement here is a common figure of speech known as a Hebraism. (See John 6:27 as another example) Peter is not forbidding the use a bodily adornment, but is asserting its utter worthlessness in comparison to what is on the inside.
God primarily looks at the heart. It is the hidden man of the heart that must be formed into the likeness of Christ. It is on the inside where the word of God does its work, transforming one into something very beautiful.
A truly transformed heart manifests itself by a meek and quiet spirit. Those of a gentle spirit are in control of their emotions. They do not quickly flash into anger. They remain calm and peaceful. They are not motivated by self assertion or constant fault-finding.
Peter says this gentle spirit is “precious”. The word used here is also found in Mark 14:3 of the precious ointment used by Mary to anoint the Lord. Paul also uses the same word to discourage the use of costly clothing. (1 Timothy 2:9) But the proper adorning of the soul, is of great value in God’s eyes.
When most of our time in energy is devoted to outward adorning , the inward work of God stands still. Instead of growing more heavenly minded we become more earthly minded. If we intend to please God, we must be working on cultivating the spirit and purity of Christ.
By George Slover
