The Path of PerseveranceSample

Do not let your adornment be merely outward — arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel — rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3:3-4

In this chapter, we are reminded that what is within the human heart is far greater than what is perceived on the outside. We see language in chapter 3 like submission, having compassion, giving honor, with understanding, and blessing — all of these qualities and behaviors overflowing from the inside of the believer despite the circumstances on the outside. In this life, we may face struggles and hardships, but the inner hope we have in Jesus should be the fountain we live from. Verse 8 invites us to be tenderhearted. Normally, in the day of trouble, it seems as if the default is to grow cold, hard, callused, and shut down our hearts. Yet the good news of the gospel and the hope we have in Jesus will tenderize the heart, breaking down the inner dams we’ve established in self-preservation.

In yesterday's devotional, we learned how it is the grit and grain of sand that, over time, polishes the pearl within an oyster revealing its beauty. However, if you’ve ever held an oyster in your hand that’s not yet cracked open, it’s not an appealing experience. Traditionally the oyster is hard, slimy, and tough to get open. Despite the work it may take to get past the unpleasant outer layer, deep within still lies the beauty of the pearl. This is 1 Peter 3. Despite the grit of hardship, we have a pearl — our faith in Christ — deep within the inside of our souls.

1. Am I allowing my hope in Christ to shine brightly, even amidst difficult circumstances, or am I letting my external hardships determine my inner peace?
2. Have I allowed my hope in Christ to tenderize my heart, or have I shut off my heart in self-preservation?
3. What are some areas in my life in which I have been focusing too much on external appearances, and how can I shift my attention to cultivate inner beauty?