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The Adorning That Never Fades, November 2
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 quite spirit, which is in the sight of God
of great price.
1 Peter 3:3, 4
.
The charms that consist only in the outward apparel are shallow and
changeable; no dependence can be placed upon them. The adorning which
Christ enjoins upon His followers will never fade....
If half the time spent by the youth in making themselves attractive in
outward appearance were given to soul culture, to the inward adorning,
what a difference would be seen in their deportment, words, and actions!
Those who are truly seeking to follow Christ will have conscientious
scruples in regard to the dress they wear; they will strive to meet the
requirements ... so plainly given by the Lord
Many dress like the world to have an influence. They spend hours that
are worse than thrown away, in studying this or that fashion to decorate
the poor, mortal body. But here they make a sad and fatal mistake. If they
would have a saving influence, if they would have their lives tell in favor
of the truth, let them imitate the humble Pattern. Let them show their faith
by righteous works, and make the distinction broad between themselves
and the world. The words, the dress, and the actions should tell for God.
Then a holy influence will be shed upon all, and all will take knowledge
of them, that they have been with Jesus. Unbelievers will see that faith in
Christ’s coming affects the character....
The external appearance is an index to the heart. When hearts are
affected by the truth there will be a death to the world, and those who are
dead to the world will not be moved by the laugh, the jeer, and the scorn
of unbelievers. They will feel an anxious desire to be like their Master,
separate from the world. They will not imitate its fashions or customs. The
noble object will be ever before them, to glorify God and gain the immortal
inheritance, and in comparison with this everything of an earthly nature
will sink into insignificance
[313]
2
The Youth’s Instructor, November 5, 1896.
3
The Review and Herald, September 9, 1884
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