The hidden person of the heart
I am reading through 1 Peter, and in chapter 3 Peter gives his advice to women and men, wives and husbands, about the importance of ‘the hidden person of the heart’ as opposed to concerns about physical appearance and the images that we project to others and to the world. I was rather amused as Peter spoke about the weaving and braiding of the hair, our public image, and being superficially preoccupied with our appearance. It was very early on in my cancer treatment that I chose to have my hair shaved, as the hair loss due to the chemo drugs was an inevitable consequence. But I was prepared for this with the wigs! I have four different wigs and so I can change my image daily if I wish. The short red wig has earned me the name of ‘Rock Chick’ which could not be further from the truth as far as my character and personality are concerned.
Your adornment must not be merely external—with interweaving and elaborate knotting of the hair, and wearing gold jewellery, or being superficially preoccupied with dressing in expensive clothes; but let it be the inner beauty of the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality and unfading charm of a gentle and peaceful spirit, one that is calm and self-controlled, not overanxious, but serene and spiritually mature which is very precious in the sight of God. 1 Peter 3 v 3-4 AMP
Today, we are told, people are image conscious, guard their self-image, attempt to project a new image through their appearance, speech, behaviour and attitude, and are often over concerned about their body image. Our identity and self-image are extremely important but there is the great danger that the image that we choose to project may become a mask. We need to have a ‘vulnerable trust’ in other people so that we allow them to see the real person that we are. It is good to be open about our weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and struggles and to allow others to see the person inside, but-in a safe way. We also need someone who knows the complete truth! We need that person, friend, confidante or partner with whom we feel safe enough to be honest about ourselves and who we allow to see that ‘hidden person of the heart.’ Phil has walked the cancer journey with me and knows the truth about the hair-and much more besides! The returning hair is grey, thin, curly, untamed and unattractive!
For all of us, there is One person to whom we can safely show the’ real’ person both inside and out and that is Jesus. He knows us anyway and is working to change us into His image. He wants us to be walking billboards, advertisements for Him, and so He is changing us little by little so that we are transformed into His image, His likeness and character. His priority is ‘the hidden person of the heart’ and our spiritual maturity.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3 v 17, 18 NIV
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8 v 28-30 KJV
Pray this for our coming week
Sabbath Blessing by Pete Greig
May this day bring Sabbath rest to my heart and my home.
May God’s image in me be restored and my imagination in God the re storied. May the gravity of material things be lightened and the relativity of time slow down. May I know grace to embrace my own finite smallness in the arms of God’s infinite greatness. May God’s word feed me, and His spirit lead me into the week and into the life to come. Amen
Jane Coates
March 2025