REFLECTIONS OF THE HEART

OUTWARD ADORNING 

Your outward adorning reflects the things that are happening on the inside-in the core of your heart.  You may put up a front allowing your outwear to impress others.  In a world of confusion and a struggle to embrace/express one's identity, impressing others, living a lie, wrongful choices, vulnerability and keeping up with the "status norm" can send out the wrong message or reveal the real you!

Your outward wear, style or fashion may reveal your heart secret and desires to others.  Eventually, whether with time or pressure, your true identity is revealed.  

Many put on a camouflage to decorate or hide the pain they feel on the inside. Their outside behavior also demonstrates their character, personality, and or lack of spirituality.  Let's look at some examples: 

• Provocative clothing can reveal lustful traits or a need for attention
• Loud or excessive jewelry may reveal traits of selfishness, materialism, greed...
• Certain hairstyles can reveal identity issues, lack of self control or rebellion

These are just a few examples to the conversations of what's shown on the outside may be a reflection of the inside of the heart.

TODAY'S FOCUS:  CULTIVATE INNER BEAUTY 

Peter admonishes you that your adorning should not be on just hairstyles, jewelry or the clothes you wear-But rather the focus should be on the hidden man of the heart. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 (KJV)
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold or of putting on of apparel;
But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.  

Peter further encourages you to cultivate inner beauty like the women of old who were beautiful by their kindness, loyalty, faithfulness and love to God and their husbands.  

Doing an inventory of the heart will reflect deep rooted issues which manifest in outward behaviors-Your outward reflection will change by changing the man in your heart. 

As a daughter of Abraham you have the privilege of having your outer beauty reflecting good deeds-Allow the hidden man to be Christ Jesus, your Lord and Savior.  Ask Him to beautify you with meekness and love.  Then when you dress, your outwear will reflect Him in beauty, respect and spirituality.  That does not mean you don't have to groom your hair, wear no jewelry or have your clothes sweeping the ground-but you will be modest and moderate, beautifully adorned with the ornament of meekness.   

Remember, "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." (MSG).  Don't be intimidated, be beautiful inside out.  Don't depend on jewelry, hairstyles, and or beautiful clothes for outward beauty.  Depend on the Hidden Man in your heart to reflect your beauty. You are precious to God-Be beautiful with the "lasting charm of a gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to God. (TLB) 

God bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel