1 Peter 3:3-4 ~ “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
Heroines in books are always spicy. They’re bold, brave, and beautiful and take part in great adventures. And for good reason – who would read a book about a timid little mouse who sat in her corner all day? The verse above has never really appealed to me because it seems to suggest the latter of the two examples above. At first glance, the words “gentle and quiet spirit” bring a picture into my mind of a young woman who spends her life at home reading her Bible, praying, and meditating all day. But this is not what the verse means. In contrast, the world has an idea of a life that’s fast and loud – a life that has no time for God. The world takes pleasure in being rough, tough and mean. They enjoy putting themselves under the title, “Bad.” Like the Michael Jackson song.
Obviously, this is not what the verse means either. I think that I can live a full, active and exciting life while still maintaining a gentle and quiet spirit. I can have fun while still being sensitive to other people’s needs and help them when help is needed. I can talk to God and be still before him. I can take time to think things over and grow in my faith. I can share my opinions in a gentle way. I can live my adventures for God and enjoy all the things he has created. And I can still be tough without advertising that fact. 
This may sound boring to those who are used to a hard fast life, but whether you believe it or not, the only real joy comes from God.January 30, 2010
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