Scripture
As we take our final look at the Spirit-filled life, our focus verse comes from 1 Peter 3:3-4, “Do not let your adorning be external – the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear – but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”
Background & Application
As Peter writes these words of instruction to the wives, God is clearly speaking to all of His children. Certainly none of us are excluded from the need to get our focus off the external and concentrate on the unseen. his week, Where might the power to live like this come from? How do you start to bear the fruit of the Spirit, or how do you get to the point where your faith in our Father can lead you to believe and do amazing things? It comes from the hidden person of our heart. We all would love to be spiritual giants for God, making a difference in people’s lives and changing the world around us. But that kind of impact doesn’t come from laying out the perfect strategy or hanging out with the right people. David didn’t spend a lot of time working on a battle plan for how to defeat Goliath. He certainly didn’t worry about his external appearance, refusing even to wear the helmet and armor that were provided for him. Rather, 1 Samuel 16 says that the Spirit of the LORD was on him, so much so that His love for God led him to declare to King Saul, “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God.” On the distant hills where he would watch the family’s sheep, David nurtured a gentle spirit from God. In his house filled with older, louder brothers, David tuned the quiet spirit of his heart to God. He didn’t long to be in the spotlight. He desired what was precious in God’s sight. and when the time came, the Spirit kept his eyes on God, and oh how He was glorified.
Charge
As we seek Him today, ask God to turn your focus inward towards a deeper knowledge of Him. Ask Him to do great things within you rather than you do great things for Him. Seek to walk closer to Him and see how mightily He uses you in His timing.
