HIDDEN ADORNMENT

1 Peter 3:3-4 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

In the first two verses of this chapter, Peter discussed how the chaste conduct of a Christian wife might win over the soul of the unfaithful husband. He continues, in his writing, about the importance of the wife's spiritual adornment by comparing it to her outward adorning or appearance. Her external beauty may have won him over, and become his wife, but it would be her internal beauty that would win him over to Christ Jesus. He would be converted to Christ because of the chaste conversation, or manner of life, by which she displayed her fear and reverence of God through obedience, love, good works, chastity, as well as her respect and reverence for her husband.

In explaining the outward appearance of women, Peter cites three areas or methods commonly used to enhance their personal, physical beauty. He mentions plaiting the hair, ...wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel. Biblical, as well as, secular history, supports the fact that outward adornment, such as mentioned here, has always been the practice of women, and, in a few instances, by men. In practically all nations and cultures, the attractiveness of women has always focused on their hair. Whether it may be pigtails or permanents, updos or afros, bleached or dyed, hair care and styles are used to enhance women's overall beauty. The same can be said for the wearing of gold, silver, gems, and jewels as outward adornments, to augment, and heighten, the attractiveness of women. And clothing? Women continually search for the best possible style and design that will create and enhance their natural beauty. Not only do they select the best fashion, but the best colors, and combination of colors, to go with their complexion, hair style and coloration, as well as with their jewelry, and other fashion accents.

God finds nothing wrong with beauty. He used beauty wondrously in His creation. Consider the beautiful color of His grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees - how God uses tints of red, purple, yellow, blue, and green to give the plant world the attractiveness of the rainbow. Why are peas green, corn yellow, tomatoes red, and eggplant purple? Why, because God wanted his creation to be beautiful, and attractive in our sight. Consider the azure blue sky filled with fluffy white clouds, the sea blue oceans with white capped waves, the "purple mountain's majesty," the white granite faces of Mt. Rushmore, as well as the golden fields of grain waving with the wind. What would the world be like if all things were gray? Certainly God loves beauty, or else he wouldn't paint the beautiful autumn pictures each year in His forests.

Likewise, what would the world be like if women were uncaring of their outward appearance? It is not God's intention that all women are to wear drab, gray uniforms. The same God that created wool, cotton, and the chemical combinations from which clothing are made, also created the various coloring dyes that make them more attractive. Lydia, a worshipper of God from the city of Thyatira, who was baptized by the apostle Paul into the body of Christ, made her living as a seller of purple cloth or clothing - the royal color, the most beautiful and desirable cloth available. The only limit God places on the plaiting of hair, wearing jewelry or attractive clothing by women, is decency and modesty. This limit, He requires.

Be assured, as Peter teaches in these two verses, the most beautiful adornment women can wear, Peter described as that which does not enhance the outward appearance. It will stand the test of time. It will not become gray with age, rust or decay, fade or tatter. It is everlasting. It is not corruptible. This adornment is a meek and quiet spirit. This enhancement of inner beauty, will allow you to reach into the heart and mind of an unbelieving husband, and win him over to Christ. It will have the same affect on all other members of your family. It will open doors of opportunity, and allow access into the homes and hearts of your friends and neighbors, enabling you to share with them God's plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. God values women, and commends their desire to be outwardly attractive. However, His greatest value is placed on the hidden adornment. The inner beauty of a woman is in the sight of God of great price.