By Mendi Behnen
UNFADING BEAUTY. What do you think of when you hear these words? Does it make you want to plan a trip to a salon or spa, or maybe the mall, perhaps even a journey in search of the fountain of youth? Down deep, we all want to be beautiful. Even if you are sitting there, saying, “Not me! I don’t go in for that stuff.” Be honest, you did not get up this morning and go to your mirror saying, “I hope I find ugly this morning!”
Down deep …we all want to be beautiful …which is exactly where we are going to find it …down deep.
As Peter wrote God’s Words, he said:
“Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” 1 Peter 3:3-4
Beauty does not lie in the things that we can put on and take off externally …like fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry and beautiful clothes. These things will fade, wear thin and go out of style. But the inner beauty that lies in the character of our spirit will grow more beautiful and more valuable with time.
True unfading beauty is seen through our pure and godly behavior. This is the beauty of godly womanhood. If we want this kind of beauty, we have a choice to make; we must choose to allow God to transform us from the inside out so that we may become a reflection of His holiness. Through this reflection we will become known for our gentle and quiet spirit …which is so valuable to God.
Gentle and quiet. Do you struggle with those words? You are not alone! However, the images you visualize when you hear these two words may not quite match the meaning of the Greek words that Peter used when he penned them in the original text.
Gentle: praӱs. This word is also found in Matthew 5:5. “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” It is a meekness toward God that accepts His dealings with us as good without disputing or resisting; trusting in God’s goodness and His control over every situation; not always needing to have our own way or be in control. For those of you who don’t know me, that one steps on my own toes because I LIKE being in control! But we are to be controlled by the Holy Spirit. He will work to transform our lives as we submit to God’s sovereignty over our lives. Our heavenly Father puts great value on us being known for our gentleness and meekness …in its fullest meaning.
Quiet: hēsychios. The only other place this word is found in the Bible is Titus 2:2 where it is translated as peaceable. It does not mean to be silent, never speaking a word. It means being well ordered, settled down, and not unruly. It means you are peaceable and helpful. Jesus had something to say about the peacemakers in Matthew 5 as well. Verse 9 says, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” And that is how we want to be known dear sisters: as children of God.
We want to be known for our quiet and gentle spirit: not only because it is so valuable to God, but also because as we become a reflection of God’s holiness we will bring glory to Him with our Unfading Beauty. Please join us for a Transformation Weekend on October 26, 2019 when we will talk about this further!