1 Peter 3:3, 4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 4 Rather, 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.
Christians are not in any way against proper makeup and dressings. These verses can be misinterpreted and misconstrued that Christians are against all kinds of hairstyles and wearing of gold jewelry. No, the main thesis here is to remind the Christian women that their beauty or worth should not be merely external or superficially dressing in expensive clothes but go deeper than that. The worth of a woman is not primarily outward but inward. It is from the inner being, the matters of character and inner gentleness (one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature, Amplified), which is really precious in God’s sight. God sees the inner beauty as something worthy and precious in his sight.
A caveat though, the outward beauty cannot be dodged away with. It is important for a woman, especially in this context, a married woman, to dress and keep themselves in shape. It can happen that a married woman begins to neglect her appearances and clothing, once the baby number two or three slides in. Therefore, the aspect of keeping oneself in proper form is also essential in a married life. That being said, the woman should not have the perception that their true value comes from outward decorations. The outward appearances could go for a couple of years but in the long run, it will vanish soon. 1 Peter 1:24 reminds us that “people are like grass, and all our glory is like the flowers of the field, the grass withers and the flowers fall,” outward beauty fades away like the flowers but a woman who learns to develop the inner beauty will bloom ever and always (unfading beauty, as is called).
Prayer: Abba Father, you said that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in your image. Help us cherish one another knowing that you care for us. Help us also to decorate and adorn ourselves with the gentle and serene nature of the beauty of Christ. Make us more like Christ, amen.
