TRANSFORMED FROM THE INSIDE OUT

“Rather let it be the HIDDEN PERSON of THE HEART, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit…” – 1 Peter 3:4

The Believer in Christ is being TRANSFORMED FROM the INSIDE OUT: “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 Pet.3:4). Here, Peter offered specific counsel on the conduct and character of wives and the relationship they should foster with their men. He advised wives to be chaste, submissive, and respectful towards their husbands, because godly behaviour and a gracious attitude will more quickly win love, respect, and praise, than paying meticulous attention to beautifully braided hair, adorning in golden jewellery, or dressing-up in classy clothes. Developing inner beauty is more valuable than outward ostentation.

Peter taught the value of nurturing an inner beauty, which is a lasting quality and is of rare value in God's eyes. What makes a wife most attractive to her husband is an inside treasure: “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2Cor.4:7). The beauty and virtue that come from within and honour the Lord, flow from the heart of a gentle spirit, and far surpass any allurement that might be triggered through outer bodily adornment. Peter was not advocating that women should be careless in their grooming, or sloppy and unkempt in appearance, but that they value the nurturing of inner character which is not only attractive to their spouse but is also well-pleasing to God.

This truth of the inner life however, does not apply only to wives; it is a universally applicable principle: God transforms human beings from the inside out! That’s why New Year resolutions often fail! Many people usually seize upon the desire for a fresh start, to make one or more resolutions – commitments made to oneself regarding a project or a habit that demands some kind of lifestyle change. It may be: to exercise more, lose weight, study more, quit smoking or drinking, or get out of debt. Despite the determination and the plan for change, overwhelming proportions of people fail or fall short of the desired change. Early efforts often prove to be a flash in the pan, such that by mid-year, it’s over and they are left unchanged.

More significant are the many people who claim Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, but whose lifestyles show little difference from those of non-believers. Such confessing Christians still struggle to be free from weaknesses, habits, and sinful patterns that were rooted in their pre-Christian days, and years into their walk with Christ, remain unchanged. What is missing is the revelation and appropriation of the Power for Change that are already theirs in Christ, by which they can break free from the grip of fleshly vices. Any desired change in our lives has to start on the inside. When we receive Jesus as our Saviour, He does a transformation in us. We die to our old life and are spiritually resurrected a new creation (2Cor.5:17). He begins the process of transforming us from the inside out; starting with our heart and proceeding to our attitude and actions.

As valuable as it is to get more involved in church activities, confess scriptures, read relevant books, and attend Christian workshops and conferences, the key element required to really change, is spending time in the Presence of God in order to be transformed from the Inside out! Jesus instructed the disciples: “Follow me, and I will make you” (Mt.4:19a). It is as we follow that we are made! Mark 3:14 says: “Then He appointed twelve, that they might BE WITH Him and that He might send them out to preach.” Being with Jesus precedes being sent out by Him! By reading and studying God’s Word, we come to know about Him. But by spending time in His Presence – with His Person – we come know God, and are changed by Him!