1 Peter 3: ^1-4

Cultivate Inner Beauty

The same goes for you wives: Be good wives to your husbands, responsive to their needs. There are husbands who, indifferent as they are to any words about God, will be captivated by your life of holy beauty. What matters is not your outer appearance—the styling of your hair, the jewelry you wear, the cut of your clothes—but your inner disposition." (The Message)

I like this one too. My own marriage reflects this biblical piece of advice. Tony would say that I am a good wife, responsive to his needs. There was a time when he was misled about Truth and the grace of God. But Tony was captivated by something about me. He wanted to know more. He likes my outward appearance. But what he loves is my inner disposition and what he sees as 'holy beauty'. This has helped transform him. It has encouraged him to be a better man.

But let me be clear. I am not a perfect example of what a wife should be. I have had my days or seasons when my inner disposition was not very attractive. Maybe I thought I had a right to act that way because I was hurt, annoyed, overwhelmed, or because Tony wasn't treating me the way I thought I should be treated. It doesn't matter though. It's all sin. Excuses don't excuse it. My bad attitude did nothing to glorify God.

Awhile back, I made a conscious effort to act like a pleasant, content person- even if that isn't exactly the way I felt. Sometimes in life, there are going to be times when I wish things were different. But if I am determined to find good things about life anyway, and decide that I can be content even when things aren't perfect, it will make life better for those around me. I found out that it makes life better for me too. My inner disposition sets the tone for my husband to want be a better man. And this must be why God has instructed this of me.

1 Peter 5:^4-5

"When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for—

God has had it with the proud,
But takes delight in just plain people. " (The Message)

I like this. I've noticed that I'm drawn to the more down to earth people. I'm at ease around them. I enjoy their company. I like them.

People who are proud and/or thing they are more important than they are annoy me. I try to avoid them. I feel a little sorry for them.

I guess God kinda feels the same way.