Which is more important? Inward or Outward Beauty?
1Peter 3:1-4 Likewise, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, so that if any do not obey the Word, they may also be won without the Word by the conduct of the wives, having witnessed your chaste behavior in the fear of God. Of whom let not be the adorning of garments, or outward braiding of hair and wearing of gold, or of putting on clothing, but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, the meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God.
Often times people are attracted at the outward beauty of a person, but as time passes by and we get to know the person really well, our thought about them changes. Also, we are blinded by the outward appearance of a person.
In our devotion for today, we would like to know which is really important to God? The outward appearance or the inward characteristics of people?
Peter wrote these words to a society in which wealthy women placed extreme importance on outward adornment. More often than not, women spend more time in their outward appearance, spending a lot more time fixing their hair, taking a bath than reading the bible and having devotion. I think this does not only involve women but to men as well, because sometimes men are more vain than women. This is a good reminder to all of us. God gave us 24 hours a day, but sometimes we forget to say thank you to God. We become so ungrateful for all the blessings we receive.
What Peter wants to say is that “God is far more interested in the inner beauty of a woman than her outward appearance”. But inner beauty also requires time and nurturing by reading the bible and spending more time with God.
In our society there is a tremendous imbalance between the amount of time we spend on outward appearance and the time we devote to inward development. Many women base their feelings of self?worth on how they look, whereas the true basis of self?worth should be on how God views us. Peter mentions in verse 4 that inner beauty is reflected in an outwardly noticeable gentle spirit.
Gentleness is an attitude of thoughtfulness and servanthood. Being willing to see God’s pattern for marriage as the healthiest way to develop personal security and to reflect the presence of Jesus Christ in your marriage. A woman with a gentle spirit is one who has confidence as a result of relying upon God and using this gift to serve others.
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