In my first women's ministry class at Bible college I had to write a paper about a passage in Scripture which mentioned womanhood. I chose 1 Peter 3, a passage about submission to husbands. The verses that I really wanted to study were 3 and 4.
"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 feel like I have spent years trying to figure out what it looks like to have a 'gentle and quiet spirit'. I am not sure where my paper is. I would like to read it, but I remember some of my findings.
The phrase 'gentle' is actually referring to the word 'meek or humble'. This word was also used to describe Jesus himself. The preceding verse mentions physical looks. I used to get caught up on this. Is it really saying that we shouldn't fix our hair and wear jewelry? I was okay with that. I am sort of a plain Jane. I do not really like wearing jewelry. Sounds good to me. Well I looked closer, and I realized the word 'merely'. So it is saying that we should not only fix our hair and look pretty, we must also exemplify a gentle and quiet spirit.
So what does this look like on a daily basis? Studying these verses has been convicting for me. Here is what I got from this study.
First, I think the only way we are going to be meek and humble like Jesus, our Lord, is to walk with Him daily. We must start each day in prayer and communion with God through His Word. If we do not know Him deeply, how will we know how to live like Him? Drawing close to the throne of our humble Lord is a humbling experience.
Second, we must remember that this verse is talking about the women submitting to husbands. Her quietness refers to how she acts and reacts to her husband's leadership. This also applies to single women. We must submit to the authority around us. Also, we must submit to one another in love. I personally need to be more aware of my interactions with others. Ever since the garden, women have been tempted to usurp the authority of their husbands. We must remember to submit in a loving and humble way.
All we can do is draw near to Christ, and He will show us the way to live. Our love for Him should overflow and shine through our gentle and quiet spirits.
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3 comments:
Although I'm a man and it doesn't seem this is directed toward men, I must say that the submission to authority issue is a bit of a challenge for me. I struggle knowing when it is important to stand my ground and when it's important to nod my head, smile, and move on. It truly takes the Gospel to help me to recognize when I am not right all the time.
By the way, I know work is stressful, confusing, cry a little bit, die, and throw up in a bag crazy right now... but I wanted to encourage you that you're doing a great job and I enjoy working with you! Good job!
Thanks brother. Please hold me accountable when it comes to submitting to authority and not letting my 'authority' go to my head. It's a little known fact that women struggle with pride, too. You are doing a great job, too. I appreciate your help in the little things. We will survive....here's our one chance Fancy don't let me down!
Well written,and thought provoking.I think women have been challenged since Eve to feel they have a right to their opinion.Men who love their wife will respect their opinion,but there shouldn't be arguements of right or wrong.Discussion should be on an equal footing.More discussion should come from the pulpit on the authority of man in the household as the spiritual leader. Society has distorted it,making men look like bumbling fools. Stand up men,take your place,and women honor your man! love you Heather!
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