What is a “gentle and quiet spirit”?

There is a verse which says-

“You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God” (1 Peter 3:4)

I know that this verse is meant to be for women.. But, can it also apply to men? 🙂

A gentle and quiet spirit doesn’t necessarily mean you are timid, shy or quiet. I believe it is a state of rested-ness and composure on the inside. It is a strength. It is a quiet knowing and complete trust in the Lord…

August last year was the beginning of God ‘pruning’ me.. of me coming to the end of my self. I was so wound up and anxious, that this verse really spoke to my heart and became my “anchor” verse:

“Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength” (Isaiah 30:15)

When I am “restless” on the inside, I will act compulsively. I may not shout or be vocally angry, but my moodiness or impulsive behaviour indicate that my spirit is at unrest.

Having a gentle and quiet spirit is personally something I’m waiting for Holy Spirit to teach me about. I’m not there yet.. However as I have been thinking about why we are so anxious and unrested.. this word comes to mind:

PRIDE.

I suspect that the root of my unrest on the inside which causes me to be compulsive is linked with Pride amongst other things. However ‘pride’ is the common “denominator”.

What is pride? Here is one definition that resonates –

A high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

Pride can manifest itself in many ways. However,I realise in my own struggles with pride, it has to do something with my need to prove my self, insecurity and the need for entitlement. As embarassing as this will sound, often bringing my self up too highly, believing that I am “better than others” and so when I’m asked to do something that is “below” me, I will react.

Imagine that you’re a really good skii-er. Just imagine that you’re so good that you are at Olympics level. Yet due to whatever the circumstance or reason, you end up as a ski store’s salesperson.

I know nothing about skiing or being an athlete.. so I’m just using this as an example – in extreme ends.

How would you feel?

Honestly, how would you feel? Forget about the Christian jargon or the “right” answer.

You would feel like crap right?

Unless you are a truly, serving hearted person, or just “live life as you go along” kind of a person, you would feel like you should be doing something “better” right? I’m not saying that being a salesperson is not a good role, it is just that in this instance, imagine you are a professional athlete and this has been your dream.

I read recently of an interesting passage in Job –

For God speaks again and again though people do not recognize it…. He whispers in their ears.. He makes them turn from doing wrong; He keeps them from pride. (Job 33:14, 17)

We know that our ego and pride can make us fall into sin and temptations of many kinds. However this verse shows that God in His Grace, allows certain events to occur.. to PREVENT us from falling in pride! This is AMAZING!! The purpose of His discipline is to “keep” us from pride!  Being peaceful on the inside is opposite to exalting ourselves, being puffed up and prideful.

A Peaceful and Quiet spirit, is one that is Gentle, meek, kind and patient. Even if it is being wronged, it will still remain trusting.. not on own strength, power or abilities, rather, trusting in God alone!

God is the CREATOR of Heaven and Earth. He is Mightier that the Strongest Man. Why must we be restless? Why must we place confidence in our own wisdom? Why must we be fearful and insecure? He Holds the World in His Hands and He knows us by Name!! Let us not try to do things our way, or feel entitled to certain things. Let us keep humble, in due time He will raise us up. However, only when we have fully surrendered our all. Including our egos!

Remembering whatever is inside our heart can determine the course of our lives, are you currently “unrested” on the inside? What could possibly be the cause? Help us Lord, to check our hearts and its motivations.