We are reminded just how unique a Christ centered life should be. We are told in 1 Peter 2.9 that we are "a chosen...peculiar people" who are to "abstain from fleshly lusts." (1.11) Thus, it is established that believers are set apart from this world. A glorious study in itself - sanctification. But let us digress. What else sets the believer apart in manner and behavior so that we are not merely just "another religion?"
For women, particularly, who are the "glory of the man," (I Cor 11.7) our "outward adorning" is not "plaiting the hair...gold...apparel. We are to exhibit...a meek and quiet spirit...which is in the sight of God of great price." (I Pet 3.3, 4) This description is the complete opposite of what the world holds as beautiful. In a word, a woman's most 'stunning adornment?' A "meek and quiet spirit." For some, this is natural. However, for most of us, it takes work!
What are characteristics of this gentle spirit? Let's look at the following verses. (1 Pet 3.8-21)
- she is compassionate which is one of the highest attributes of our Lord (Jude 1.22, Lam 3.22, 23)
- she is courteous - she believes completely in "preferring others" above herself - always letting others go first (Rom 12.10, Eph 4.32, Phil 2.3)
- she is fair-minded by virtue of being "pitiful" which is another word for tenderhearted -
- she does not gossip because she is more ready to hear than speak (James 1.19) - i.e. she gets her facts straight and even then exercises good judgment because she doesn't want to hurt anyone, before speaking to a matter
- she is interested in peace, even "pursues" it - she thoroughly believes (Rom 12.18)
- she is a prayer warrior - this is how she keeps such a "meek and quite" spirit
- she study's the scripture daily - this is how she is "ready to give an answer...(for) the hope" (she has in Christ when asked
- she exercises "good conversation" - her speech is above reproach because it is without ugly words or implications of others
- she is faithful to any directive of scripture - if we are identified with Christ's resurrection by baptism, then she is baptized in obedience to that directive
Is she always successful in obtaining a "meek and quiet spirit?" Probably not. But she does her best to obey 1 Peter 4.1, 2 because of her love for her Lord. "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the SAME mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin: (living) ...to the will of God." It's pretty hard to deliberately sin when one is "suffering in the flesh."
It's true this flesh bucks and kicks against any unpleasant feeling physically, emotionally or spiritually. But given the lesson regarding the potter and the clay, at times, such squeezing, molding and shaping, no matter how hard or painful, IS necessary. (Isa 64.8, Jer 18.4)
Although the directive of a "meek and quiet spirit" is given to women, it is a lesson to every believer who would be a godly witness for our Lord.
The Lord bless you as you seek His will and way. Amen
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