1 Peter 3:3-4 (NLT) Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.
Years ago while trying out a new salon and getting my hair cut by a different stylist, I immediately began with an apology for having a few unruly cowlicks. To which the undaunted stylist dryly responded, “I’ve already counted thirteen.” Well, no wonder I’m prone to bad hair days! But today’s topic isn’t bad hair days, nor is it excessive ring bling. What strikes me most about this text is it’s author.
Simon. The disciple who vowed never to disown our Lord Jesus—until the cock crowed for the third time. Simon. The disciple who cut off the guard’s ear with his sword—leaving Jesus to heal the guard. Simon. The disciple who walked on water—without a pair of floaties or pool noodles. This same Simon is the author who speaks to us of a gentle and quiet spirit and how precious that spirit is to God.
Do you think Simon ever had a few bad hair days? Maybe. Maybe not. One thing is certain, Simon certainly knew from personal experience the importance of maintaining gentleness and calm inner strength. He wasn’t perfect, and he wasn’t always quiet and calm in every situation. Yet Simon knew it isn’t our outward appearance that matters most; it is the quality of our inward character that speaks volumes about who we are as Christians. Simon was given a new name by Jesus—that name was Peter. Yes, sometimes known us as impetuous Peter, but known to Jesus as Peter, the rock upon which future generations of Christ’s church would have a solid foundation.
Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the example of Simon Peter. It reminds us that you care about the conditions of our heart rather than our outward appearance. It reminds us that you can use the most unlikely people to pave the way for future generations of Christians. What we are on the inside speaks volumes. We humbly ask forgiveness for our failings and ask that you create in us the gentle and quiet spirit that matters most.
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.
The devotional Bad Hair Days appeared first on Write From My Heart at
https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email (I’d like to hear from you!): Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment