Chapter 62—Simplicity in Dress
In His Sermon on the Mount Christ exhorts His followers not to
allow their minds to be absorbed in earthly things. He plainly says:
Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take
no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor
yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat,
and the body than raiment?” “And why take ye thought for raiment?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do
they spin: and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory
was not arrayed like one of these.”
These words are full of meaning. They were applicable in the days
of Christ, and they are applicable in our day. Jesus here contrasts the
natural simplicity of the flowers of the field with the artificial adorning
of raiment. He declares that the glory of Solomon could not bear
comparison with one of the flowers in natural loveliness. Here is a
lesson for all who desire to know and to do the will of God. Jesus has
noticed the care and devotion given to dress, and has cautioned, yea,
commanded, us not to bestow too much thought upon it. It is important
that we give careful heed to His words. Solomon was so engrossed
with thoughts of outward display that he failed to elevate his mind by
a constant connection with the God of wisdom. Perfection and beauty
of character were overlooked in his attempt to obtain outward beauty.
He sold his honor and integrity of character in seeking to glorify
himself before the world, and finally became a despot, supporting his
extravagance by a grinding taxation upon the people. He first became
corrupt at heart, then he apostatized from God, and finally became a
worshiper of idols.
As we see our sisters departing from simplicity in dress, and cul-
tivating a love for the fashions of the world, we feel troubled. By
taking steps in this direction they are separating themselves from God
and neglecting the inward adorning. They should not feel at liberty
to spend their God-given time in the unnecessary ornamentation of
their clothing. How much better might it be employed in searching
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