Super Bowl Halftime Show Ignites Controversy

Over a hundred million people watched the Super Bowl this year. Many tuned in for the halftime show. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez performed. Reviews were definitely mixed. Some called it “show stopping” and “electric.” A USA Today editorial said, “The halftime show should have come with a parental warning for children.” Franklin Graham criticized the program on Facebook. On Facebook he posted, “I don’t expect the world to act like the church, but our country has had a sense of moral decency on prime time television in order to protect children. We see that disappearing before our eyes.”

As a parent of an eight year old daughter, I am very concerned. What are the values God desires in a woman? As men, what qualities are we encouraging in our wives and daughters? Are there qualities that impress God? Thankfully the answers are found in the Bible! God speaks. He speaks through His Word. 1 Peter 3:1-6 details two qualities that impress God.

Verses 3 and 4 read, “Your adornment must not be merely external- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God.”

We are not to focus on the external but the internal. “Your adornment must not be merely external…” Braiding the hair, wearing gold jewelry and putting on dresses are mentioned. This is not a prohibition but an issue of priority. In Proverbs 31 the ideal woman dressed in purple. Purple was the color of royalty! God dressed Israel in fancy clothing in Ezekiel 16. In Revelation 19 the church (the bride of Christ) returns dressed in fine linen.

God is not against external beauty. He even makes “all things beautiful in its time”! (Ecclesiastes 3:11) However, what truly impresses God is internal. His focus is upon character. 1 Peter 3:4 says, “But let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit.” Beauty fades. Jewelry is lost or stolen. Clothing goes out of style. The qualities that impress God are “imperishable.” Imperishable means “enduring forever, not subject to decay, indestructible.”

The first quality that impresses God is a gentle spirit. A gentle spirit is manifested toward God and people. Toward God it means trusting in His providence in our lives. It is not complaining. It is not whining. It is being thankful for the events of our lives. It is a realization that everything for the Christian is working for God’s glory and our highest good.

A gentle spirit toward others means kindness, gentleness and humility toward others even when wronged. Peter says, “Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead” (1 Peter 3:9). When Jesus was reviled, He did not revile in return. While suffering He uttered no threats.

The second quality that impresses God is a quiet spirit. The opposite of a quiet spirit is not loud! A quiet spirit does not mean passive or weak or mousy. Mousy means nervous, shy, timid, lacking in charisma. No! A quiet spirit means tranquil, calm, peaceful. It is the opposite of panic. A quiet spirit is a steady, confident trust in God even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

How can we build these qualities into our daughters and into ourselves? How can we stand against a culture that becomes more and more godless every day? Peter once again gives us the answers! Verse 5 says, “For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands….”

We encourage these qualities in several ways. First, there must be salvation. Peter mentions “holy women.” We must be followers of the Lord Jesus. He died for us. He rose again from the dead. We must respond in faith. Second, we need the right examples. Peter mentions “holy women.” The Bible is filled with strong godly women. Eve, Samson’s mother, Ruth, Mary, Lydia and many others are recorded for us. Third, our hope must be in God. We don’t focus on this life but the next life. Our goal is to honor and worship God not people. Our culture is not our standard. Fourth, come under authority. Sarah loved her husband Abraham. Finally, do not live in fear. Verse 6 ends, “And you have become her (Sarah’s) children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.” We walk by faith and not by fear.

This life is quickly speeding past. Shakira is 43 and J. Lo is 50! We will all soon meet our Creator. Let’s be ready for that day. Let’s build our lives on God’s values and God’s priorities.

Pastor Ethan Hansen

Faith Bible Fellowship

Big Lake, AK