Commit to the Imperishable....

The phrase has been bouncing around my head for the last few days, "Commit to live a life focused on the imperishable."  I don't know who said it.  It was either Dr. Davis or a seminary student named Terry or one of them quoting someone else....Sorry!  I hate to not give proper credit.  I just jotted it down without writing who said it.  Nevertheless...I love this! 

Wednesday nights in depth Bible Study has focused on 1 Peter this summer.  I haven't been much.  We've been on vacation or I've had other commitments but I was there this Wednesday and Terry was teaching on Chapter 3....the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:3) it captivated me.  Then Terry said this theme of what is imperishable has been constant throughout 1 Peter.

So I went back to find out what is imperishable.  What kind of things are worth committing my life to?

Imperishable:                                                                  Perishable:
Blood of Christ (1:18)                                                      Gold (1:7)
Beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit (3:3)                          Silver and Gold (1:18)
Christ's blood/Salvation (1:4-5)                                       Flesh (1:23)
Word of God (1:23)                                                         External Beauty (3:3)
Good News/Gospel (1:25)

I'm going to have to look into this one more and ask some people but I think Chapter 2: 11-12 may be implying that good deeds are imperishable.  I'd love some feedback.  It kind of makes sense because we are going to receive rewards based on our good deeds.....so that may be added to the list?  Any thoughts?!?

This list is not exhaustive.  It's just some stuff to think about.  God's word is so applicable to life.  Wednesday night I was sitting with Margo, a sweet mom to 7 grown children, a dear saint.  She said, speaking of herself, "How often do I refuse to go out the door without lipstick and yet think nothing about going out without having spent time in God's word?"  Convicting. 

Finally, I think I liked the quote because they said COMMIT.  Not: "Try to live" or "Strive for" or "Do your best".  Commitment is like for real.  Like marriage.  Like a choice to continue after regardless of swaying feelings or personal preference or what I'm in the mood for.  It means every. day. regardless.  I like that.  It's serious and real.

I do want to point out that you can care about things without commiting to them.  It is okay to care about taking care of your body or care about looking nice or care about providing for your family....However, care is not the same as commitment and that difference is important!

So what is my commitment: Money, Appearance, Self.....
Or: Christ, Salvation, God's Word, the Gospel, and becoming a woman with a gentle and quiet spirit....Hmmmmmm

I know this: I want a life commited to the imperishable!

Happy Friday!
Kim