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There is a thread throughout the Bible a reminder of how God sees us versus how we look at ourselves and other humans. It is a fixture in the Old Testament like when the Lord tells Samuel as he is checking out Jesse’s sons trying to find David to anoint him. Remember he did not know his name only that he was one of Jesse’s sons, so the first one Samuel sees is a strapping young man, and he thinks yep that is him.
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
This thread continues into the New Testament and today lands us in 1 Peter:
3 Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— 4 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 NKJV
God does not look at us the way we look at each other, He sees our heart and encourages us to resist the urge to turn ourselves into a human disco ball and instead focus on growing the inner beauty of a holy heart.
While this verse in 1 Peter is specifically directed at women having a heart that radiates a gentle and quiet spirit should be a priority for all believers. Think about the last time you were around someone grumpy, not just morning grumpy but stewing in disdain grumpy if you reflect you can almost see the storm cloud of gloom that follows them everywhere. Do not be like that person! Nobody goes up to the person in the store with the storm cloud of gloom hanging over their head and asks them about Jesus, even if the person is adorned in the most extravagant riches it does not happen! If you want to win hearts for the Lord, you must focus on strengthening a heart with “the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Reflect on those people in your life that show those positive qualities, how it just feels good to be around them because when you are you feel like you are a little closer to Jesus through them. If you cannot think of anyone that is okay, here is your chance to be the first!
Lord, let us put our energy into growing closer to you through prayer, worship, and time in scripture. Jesus, I want to have a heart with the incorruptible beauty, of a gentle and quiet spirit that can only be found through you! Let me steep in the Word and feel the gift-wrapped love on every page. Let me be the person that brings others to You! I pray these things in the name of Jesus. -Amen
May the words that flow from me Lord be filled with Your message and when I am obedient may they be backed by the Holy Spirit. When I serve righteously let none of the words, I utter in praise of You fall to the ground. Help me to craft every word, may they pierce hearts and refresh weary souls. This gift is Yours; God I simply aim to use it for your glory. –Love Cortney