“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” (I Peter 3:4).
Our text informs us of one of the many things that are of value in “the sight of God.” But God’s “sight” is often much different than ours: “And He [Jesus] said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15).
The prodigal son said to his father, “I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight” (Luke 15:21). This earthly father (an analogy to our heavenly Father) had not actually witnessed all the sin of his son, but “in the father’s sight” (that is, in what the father represented and expected), the son had indeed been a transgressor.
Conversely, our heavenly Father not only sees all we do, but His presence and standard for fellowship is absolute holiness. This is only possible through Jesus Christ. “Now the God of peace. . . . Make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ” (Hebrews 13:20,21).
Paul placed a much higher priority on what was pleasing in God’s sight than what was pleasing in man’s sight (Acts 4:19; II Corinthians 7:12, 8:21). He told Timothy, “that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. . . . For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” (I Timothy 2:1,3). Paul gave this “charge” to Timothy “in the sight of God,” “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith . . .” (I Timothy 6:11–13).
“And whatsoever we ask, we receive of Him, because we keep His commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in His sight” (I John 3:22). CJH
