I like to take pictures and I’m always on the lookout for things of beauty. Lately the flowers have been in bloom and I’ve had a grand time taking and posting pictures to social media. I’ve been watching the magnolia tree next to our fellowship house and was looking for blooms yesterday when I noticed a gorgeous bloom tucked underneath some other branches, unfolding in all it’s splendor yet out of sight to all but the most dedicated observer. Thinking about beauty and our “Three Points of Contact” — God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, I was drawn to 1 Peter and the definition of true beauty.

In our world today, the concept of beauty is often dictated by fleeting standards, social media trends, and external appearances. Yet, as observed that magnolia bloom tucked away beneath a canopy of branches, I was reminded of a profound truth about beauty. This bloom, though unseen by many, radiated a splendor that didn’t need an audience to validate its existence. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says this:

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

(Father) Unseen Yet Radiant – The magnolia bloom is like the inner beauty that Peter speaks of—unseen by the casual observer but precious and radiant in the eyes of God. True beauty is not about outward appearances or the latest fashion trends. Instead, it is about the condition of our hearts and spirits. Just as the hidden magnolia was beautiful in its quiet unfolding, our true beauty lies in the cultivation of our inner selves.

(Son) The Quiet Spirit – Peter emphasizes a “gentle and quiet spirit.” This does not mean a timid or passive demeanor but rather a spirit that is at peace, secure in its identity in Christ. It is a beauty that comes from a deep-seated trust in God and a life shaped by His presence. This inner tranquility and strength are what God values most.

(Holy Spirit) Pursuing True Beauty – So how do we pursue this kind of beauty? It begins with our relationship with God. Spend time in His Word, allowing it to transform your heart and mind. Engage in prayer, not just to ask for things, but to listen and align yourself with His will. Seek the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These qualities reflect the inner beauty that pleases God.

True beauty shines through acts of kindness and compassion. It is seen in the way we treat others, especially when no one else is watching. Like the hidden magnolia, our acts of love and service are often unseen by the world but never unnoticed by God.

Conclusion

In a culture obsessed with the external, 1 Peter 3:3-4 invites us to a countercultural understanding of beauty. Let us strive to cultivate the inner beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. May our lives reflect the unfading beauty that is of great worth in God’s sight, just as the magnolia blooms in quiet splendor, unseen yet profoundly beautiful.