Hidden Man of the Heart

A few days ago, Scott and I watched a few Youtubes of Phil Robertson of the Duck Commanders and he said something that I really pondered.  He spoke so fondly of Ms. Kay and compared her to Sara, Abraham’s wife in the Bible, in that she was ever so gentle.  I have always admired those people who handle everything with such grace and quietness.  I didn’t remember that “gentle” was a word that described Sara, therefore I decided to look it up for myself.

I always knew that God commended Sara for “calling him lord” (subjecting herself to Abraham) and not being afraid with any amazement, but I never put two and two together that the scripture just above that mentioned, “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.” (1 Peter 3:4)  My version says “meek” as opposed to “gentle”, but nonetheless she possessed these qualities.

I did a search in scripture on the words “meek” and “quiet” and noticed that those people that possessed those qualities were quite different in personality.  Moses, a fearless leader, a little stand offish and quite kingly was noted as “very meek, above all the men which were on the face of the earth.” Elijah was meek and yet he was super intense and incredibly confident in His God which could come across as arrogant. Jesus “loved the little children” (Mark 10:14) and spoke about “loving to your enemies”(Matt. 5:44), yet he confronted those that needed it, but never with selfish motives.

Meekness, according to how it is used in scripture, seems to mean an absence of all selfishness and unrighteous anger. Obviously from those I have mentioned previously, it does not mean being mousy and timid and weak. It is a fruit given upon receiving the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:23). It is interesting in Galatians that “gentleness” is listed separately that “meekness”.  I believe that they have two meanings.  Later on the “gentleness” factor.

“Quiet” is another tricky word.  I know a lot of people who think it is Godly to be soft spoken.  I beg to differ.  It is not a bad trait, but I do not think that it is a qualification for Godliness…at least I hope not.  I read every scripture available with the word “quiet” and came to the conclusion from how it is used within the complete text that it means the absence of fighting or arguing.   At times that has troubled me in that I have a lot going on in my mind most all of the time and it seems to be quite loud.  I am happy to find that I do need to be still, and not worry, but that I am made with a very intense drive to accomplish and that takes a lot of thought and is o.k.  I am called not to be argumentative in my Spirit, but I can still be busy in my mind.

All in all, I hope that my husband can say that I am a “daughter of Sara” and that I have a meek and quiet spirit that is of great price.  I can think of no better compliment.  What a testament to Ms. Kay!

 

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2 Comments

  1. Kate Wilson says:

    Amen! I’ve often prayed for the Lord to give me that quiet and gentle spirit that I’d read about, before I really understood the scripture. I come from a large, Sicilian, LOUD family, and I’m anything but soft-spoken. I’m grateful the Lord has granted me the ability to have a quiet spirit without having to change my outgoing and bold personality! Thanks again for sharing! I really enjoy your blog!

    1. Stacy Harris says:

      Thanks Kate! I am thankful for your encouragement. Sometimes I just feel that I need to post certain things and this really stood out to me the other day. We have so many kids that it is very loud in our house and I think only a few of them are actually quiet (as in not loud)! It is very fun though. I love bold personalities. Thanks for sharing!

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