Chapter 113—To Adorn the Christian
Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the
hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; 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 3:3, 4
.
God, who created everything lovely and beautiful that the eye rests upon,
is a lover of the beautiful. He shows you how He estimates true beauty. The
ornament of a meek and quiet spirit is in His sight of great price.
Of how little value are gold or pearls or costly array in comparison with
the loveliness of Christ. Natural loveliness consists in symmetry, or the
harmonious proportion of parts, each with the other; but spiritual loveliness
consists in the harmony or likeness of our souls to Jesus. This will make
its possessor more precious than fine gold, even the golden wedge of Ophir.
The grace of Christ is indeed a priceless adornment. It elevates and ennobles
its possessor and reflects beams of glory upon others, attracting them also to
the Source of light and blessing.
Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness,
modesty, and purity. But the Word of God gives no sanction to the making
of changes in apparel merely for the sake of fashion, that we may appear
like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or
expensive ornaments....
All who are in earnest in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the
precious words of instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel
will express the truth of the gospel.
It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love
and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward
adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that “meek and quiet spirit,”
the “fine linen, white and clean” (
Revelation 19:14
), which all the holy ones
of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and beloved here,
and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace of the King.
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