Chapter 104—Economy in Dress
God’s people should practice strict economy in their outlay of
means, that they may have something to bring to Him, saying, “Of
Thine own have we given Thee.” Thus they are to offer God thanks-
giving for the blessings received from Him. Thus, too, they are to lay
up for themselves treasure beside the throne of God.
Worldlings spend upon dress large sums of money that ought to be
used to feed and clothe those suffering from hunger and cold. Many
for whom Christ gave His life have barely sufficient of the cheapest,
most common clothing, while others spend thousands of dollars in the
efforts to satisfy the never-ending demands of fashion.
The Lord has charged His people to come out from the world,
and be separate. Gay or expensive clothing is not becoming to those
who believe that we are living in the last days of probation. “I will
therefore,” the apostle Paul writes, “that men pray everywhere, lifting
up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that
women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and
sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but
(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
Even among those who profess to be children of God, there are
those who spend more than is necessary upon dress. We should dress
neatly and tastefully, but, my sisters, when you are buying and making
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your own and your children’s clothing, think of the work in the Lord’s
vineyard that is still waiting to be done. It is right to buy good material,
and have it carefully made. This is economy. But rich trimmings are
not needed, and to indulge in them is to spend for self-gratification
money that should be put into God’s cause.
It is not your dress that makes you of value in the Lord’s sight.
It is the inward adorning, the graces of the Spirit, the kind word, the
thoughtful consideration for others, that God values. Do without the
unnecessary trimmings, and lay aside for the advancement of the cause
of God the means thus saved.
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