A Beautiful Spirit

“Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.” (1 Peter 3:4 ESV)

I grew up with this verse demonstrated to me daily. My mother, a precious gift from God, has a wonderful gentle and quiet spirit. I am truly blessed by her example. She lives a life of faith and hope.

My whole life, her bright blue eyes have shone Christ’s light into my life. She has surrounded me with love and support. I am who I am today because of the foundation she laid.

Although frail and elderly now, my mother still exhibits an incredible peaceful spirit. A quiet unassuming woman, she easily cares for her family with her loving ways and kind words. Her whole life has been one of service to others, even when living through some challenging circumstances.

At times in my life, I have lamented that I am not an outgoing, vivacious person. Yet, when I read the above Scripture verse, I am consoled. God has a plan and a purpose for my quiet disposition. In fact, God calls my gentle and quiet spirit beautiful and precious. How cool is that?

The other important part of this Scripture passage is that our outward appearance is not important. In a world where advertising continually bombards us with products to help us look and feel better, God is saying that is not the priority.

The truly beautiful person is not the one with the latest clothing, hairdo, or makeup. Real beauty shines from within from a spirit that is focused on God and His saving grace. My mother has always known that. She lives that.

Our focus is to be on what God is doing in our lives and not how we look to others. That is hard to process in today’s world. How do we challenge society’s norm in order to live a life that is pleasing to God?

It is definitely something to think long and hard about. I know I have days when I have spent more time shopping than in the study of God’s Word. I have worried about my appearance but then been careless with my words.

It’s a matter of perspective. What is truly on your heart? If all you care about is how you look and sound to others, you are looking inward. God is calling us to look outward and share His light and life with others.

My mom wouldn’t win any worldly beauty concerts but she is truly one of the most beautiful people I know. I pray I can follow her example. How about you?

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