…even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit…(1 Peter 3:4)
Peter is talking about Christian relationships and subjection to authority. Here he exhorts women to be models of moderation, submission, and godly conduct. Instead of loud dress and incessant pressure to conform loved ones to what they believe, Peter says that perhaps toning down and trusting God will work where mere words will not. Consider that he was writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit when he says that this can begin to win loved ones to Christ without having to preach to them. Instead of speaking out loud, Peter says to live out loud concerning our faith, and that with the fruit of the Spirit, not the frivolity of the self.
This is good advice for all Christians. We should use every opportunity we have to glorify God, and to show Christ in our world. Wearing a meek and quiet spirit can speak volumes in today’s din of degeneration. If someone can see that we have changed, are in submission to God and that we are trusting in Him, then it is easier for the unbelieving to understand why they need to come under God’s authority. When we practice what we preach, our preaching carries more weight, and actions speak louder than words.
What is speaking louder to your world, your clothes or your convictions? Believe me, you wear your convictions quite often, can people see them? We are talking about more than wearing a shirt or button or having a sticker with a Christian slogan on your car. There is a saying, “the clothes make the man”. When you do as Peter says then you are putting on timely apparel with timeless appeal. What are you putting on when you go out your door today?
This is good advice for all Christians. We should use every opportunity we have to glorify God, and to show Christ in our world. Wearing a meek and quiet spirit can speak volumes in today’s din of degeneration. If someone can see that we have changed, are in submission to God and that we are trusting in Him, then it is easier for the unbelieving to understand why they need to come under God’s authority. When we practice what we preach, our preaching carries more weight, and actions speak louder than words.
What is speaking louder to your world, your clothes or your convictions? Believe me, you wear your convictions quite often, can people see them? We are talking about more than wearing a shirt or button or having a sticker with a Christian slogan on your car. There is a saying, “the clothes make the man”. When you do as Peter says then you are putting on timely apparel with timeless appeal. What are you putting on when you go out your door today?
15 comments:
When I think about convictions, I remember the home schooling father who would risked going to jail rather than let his kids attend the local government school. Man, that's not just a preference, it's a conviction.
It's kind of a daunting thing to think that our convictions are apparent even if we don't know it. Makes us need to be pretty sure about those convictions.
Live the Word...
When we come to the understanding that it is more important for us to know what God thinks about us then to know how other poeple see us, people will begin to see us as God thinks of us.
Thanks for today JD, hope to see you this weekend!!!
Great comment...Paul(ie)...
:-)
If your still up, I added another post. If not sleep well. Lord bless
That was an excellent post.
C. S. Lewis once said that Christians are becoming too liberal with "doubt". In doing so we end up lionizing such notions as ambiguity and uncertainty. Then, the consequences become unresolved doubt. I think Kim was right when she said that "our convictions are apparent even if we don't know it".
If we aren't constantly "tweaking" our own convictions our spiritual permissiveness can become a slippery slope to unbelief. And, of course, that will show up in our witness.
Rick
ps - I wish i could remember the reference to Lewis' work - sorry.
JD, great thoughts here. Would this include the types of media we recommend and the comic book characters we advertise?
I'll walk around that bear trap for now, Jim, and you know why, brother...
ha ha...you are too sharp! I wasn't too obvious in my leading question was I? :)
That was me, I don't know what happened there?
Great post JD and great comments too! The phrase "Let your life speak" comes to mind. I have been blessed to know folks whose lives have indeed spoken to me of God's Love and mercy and grace. I praise Him for that and pray that my life speaks similarly.
Lynda
Your growth in grace is apparent to all, Lynda, and I am blessed by it...
This post originally appeared 12-26-06...
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