A Quiet and Gentle Spirt...Part 2

Remember, that a gentle and guiet spirit is an attitude of the heart in which we do not dispute and resist against God's dealings, but instead, we recognize God's goodness in all His sovereign plans.  Also, remember that gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit which all believers should exhibit (Galatians 5:23).  Aren't you glad it isn't a personality trait but rather a steadfastness of soul that has nothing to do with personality or genetics? 

So what is the next discovery ahead for us?  A gentle and quiet spirit is not perishable, but is an incorruptible ornament that is fitting for the child of God and gives God glory.

I Peter 3:3-4 "Do not let your beauty be tht outward adorning of arranging the hair, of wearing gold, or of putting on fine apparel; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

Peter continually encourages us to keep an eternal perspective, especially when we are experiencing situations of suffering or submission.  Throughout I Peter, Peter uses the word "incorruptible."  The opposite would be "corruptible."  Look up these passages and see what God has to say about the things which are incorruptible.

1 Peter 1:22-25 tells us that the living and enduring Word of God (the Bible) is incorruptible.  I Peter 3:3-4 states that the hidden person of the heart is incorruptible.  The precious, precious blood of Christ is incorruptible which is found in I Peter 1:17-19.  Even our various trials and faith is incorruptible which is found in I Peter 1:6-7.  All of these things will not fade!!  When we choose to put on a gentle and quiet spirit we are storing up treasures in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-20).  Each time we do so, it is a righteous act that will compose the fine linen to array the bride of Christ, (see Revelation 19:8).

Do you know God's purpose for your life?  Obviously, God created us and redeemed us.  So often that is the extent of what we know.  Many think their purpose in life is to be a good example to others and to try to do the right thing all the time.  Actually, we should be living for His glory, honoring the Lord.  So what does that really mean for us as believers?

Look at Isaiah 43:1 "But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel; "Fear not, for I  have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine."  (Italics added for emphasis)  Who do we belong to?  Who purchased us with His precious blood?  Read on...Isaiah 43:7 "Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes I have made him." (Italics added for emphasis) Just as surely as a master goes out to the market and purchases a slave, we have been purchased by God.  We now have no rights.  We gave those up when we allowed Christ into our life.  It is for His glory that I even have life and breath.  He chooses the plans for my life, not me.  He owns me, and He is the One to rule my life, not me.

Once you understand that significant point you begin to understand that trying to be a good example to others as your main focus is not what God requires.  Oh, our deeds may seem to reflect God.  However, if they are not motivated by pure love for Jesus, in reality, they only reflect us.  Examine your motivations.  I bet in some areas of your life you are conforming yourself to Christian culture rather than pursuing God's perfect standard of holiness.  I know I have found that to be the case on occasion. 

Be careful, that it isn't just an outward conformity.  Spiritual pride begins to accert itself which leads us to question whether we truly want to commit every aspect of our lives for His glory.  We need to purpose in our heart to pursue His glory.  Even if it is in circumstances that we would consider undesirable.

So what does glorifying God really look like?  The word "glory" in Greek is doxa.  Doxa means to recognize a person or thing for what it is.  It basically means the recognition belonging to a person.  The opposite would be dishonor or shame.  To glorify the Lord means to recognize Him for who He is. 

To recognize God, one must know who He is.  That means knowing His character.  Knowing God's character and recognizing Him for who He is will not only glorify Him, but it also helps us as we pursue that gentle and quiet spirit.  Some of His attributes would be He is sovereign, He is omnipotent (all-powerful), He is holy, He is great/awesome, Righteous, unchangeable/immutable.  God is also omnipresent (all places at all times), omniscient (all-knowing), everlasting/eternal (there has never been, nor will be, a time when God wasn't God).  He is faithful, incomprehensible, loving, merciful and compassionate, gracious, forgiving, just, jealous, wrathful and the list goes on.  I am sure you can list even more attributes.  I would encourage you to look up one or two verses to go with each attribute.  Meditate and chew on a new attribute weekly.  If you need more attributes just let me know and I'll pass on some more.  I am definitely aware of at least 31.  :)

That's all for today!  Until next time....may you be firmly in His grip!  Blessings!