DAD'S RAMBLINGS – INNER BEAUTY
"Do 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." (I Peter 3:3-4)
Our society is so very concerned with appearances. Merchants' ads in magazines or on television usually show beautiful people. Often our concept of beauty is superficial. A person can be outwardly beautiful but ugly on the inside.
Peter was writing expressly in regard to women, but I think what is good for the goose is good for the gander. What applies to women would be good counsel for men also.
Outward appearances are important. We do want to make a good impression on people we come in contact with. But Peter was referring to an inordinate amount of attention to the arranging of the hair, wearing fancy jewelry, and expensive clothes, as though the outward appearance is what makes the man.
More important than these is the inner beauty that shines out of our lives. What is on the inside is more important than what the outward appearance. Things like a gentle and quiet spirit make a more lasting impression that do outward appearances. People will forget what we wear, but they will remember our spirit. They will be more apt to remember whether we are harsh or gentle, whether we are boisterous or quiet, whether we care or don't give a hoot, than whether we wear expensive clothes or our hair-do is perfect.
May God help me to show forth the Spirit of Christ, and be more concerned about my inner beauty than my outer beauty. I do want my life to show the beauty of Christ.
Love, Dad
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