1 Peter 3:1-5
If you are a wife, you must put your
husband first. Even if he opposes our message, you will win him over by
what you do. No one else will have to say anything to him, because he
will see how you honor God and live a pure life. Don’t depend on things
like fancy hairdos or gold jewelry or expensive clothes to make you look
beautiful. Be beautiful in your heart by being gentle and quiet. This
kind of beauty will last, and God considers it very special.
Long ago those women who worshiped God and put their hope in him made themselves beautiful by putting their husbands first.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I’ve
admitted before that I watch a little reality TV…okay, maybe more than I
should! I don’t exactly keep up with the Kardashians…and I cannot name
all of the Real Housewives in any city. But I do have a “working
knowledge” of some of these characters and can recognize many of them
when I see their image in the media. I fully understand that these
people do not represent mainstream America…that their lives are not “the
norm.” But I sometimes look at these people and ask myself, “What is
missing in their lives?” Because it seems to me that for all that they
have…they often truly have very little joy and satisfaction.
If
ever there was a living, breathing example of the admonition in 1 Peter
3:3 to rely on something other than possessions and adornments to make
one truly “beautiful”…these people seem to fit the bill. On the other
hand, you may know someone who is what most would describe as
ordinary…if not downright “homely.” You may marvel at how he/she
managed to snag a good-looking partner! Or you may have to stop and
think about this person’s appearance…because you are so enthralled with
how beautiful he/she is on the inside. You may take notice of how
content this person seems to be with a seemingly “simple” life. These
folks are what could be called the “Real Disciples of Jesus Christ!”
They have taken the message of 1 Peter 3 to heart and made it their
daily mission!
When you first read this passage, you might have
thought I was going to talk about wives submitting themselves to
husbands. But the message of these verses is so much deeper. There is
“meat” here for all of us about what truly matters in our Christian
discipleship. God wants us to live in such a way that others cannot
help but see the beauty of our relationship with Him…and want in on it
for themselves! He wants us to demonstrate honor, faith and purity that
supersedes looks, “success” and possessions.
In plain language,
the message for us is to quit trying to be something – or someone – that
we’re not. Instead, focus on being who God has called us to be…to go
above and beyond what He asks of us as we glorify Him and share His
message with others. Treat the other guy – whether your spouse, child,
relative, friend, co-worker, neighbor…or even a stranger – as you wish
to be treated (even if this seems better than they merit!). When we
remain steadfast in our faith and quietly serve God with a loving spirit
and unfailing obedience, others take notice…and our true “beauty”
shines.
When others look at you today, who do they see? Are
you trying to be one of the “beautiful people?” Or are you letting God
produce His beauty in and through you? Are you striving to keep up with the Kardashians…or the King of Kings?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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