Power of Example
269
mingle with the world, partake of their spirit, dress, talk, and act like
them.
Read
1 Timothy 2:9, 10
: “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.” Also
1 Peter
3:3-5
: “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. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also,
who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their
own husbands.”
The power of example is great. Sister A ventures to wear small
hoops. Sister B says: It is no worse for me to wear hoops than for Sister
A, and she wears them a little larger. Sister C imitates the example of
Sisters A and B, and wears her hoops a little larger than A and B, but
all contend that their hoops are small.
Parents who would teach their children the evil of following the
fashions of the world, have a hard battle. They are met with: “Why,
mother, Sisters A, B, and C wear hoops; if it is wicked for me, it is
for them.” What can the parents say? They should set a right example
[279]
before their children, and although the example of professed followers
of Christ causes the children to think that their parents are too careful
and severe in their restrictions, yet God will bless the efforts of these
conscientious parents. If parents do not take a decided, firm course,
their children will be borne down with the current, for Satan and
his evil angels are working upon their minds, and the example of
unconsecrated professors makes the work of overcoming far more
laborious for them. Yet with faith in God and earnest prayer, believing
parents should press on in the rugged path of duty. The way of the
cross is an onward, upward way. And as we advance therein, seeking
the things that are above, we must leave farther and farther in the
distance the things which belong to the earth. While the world and
carnal professors are rushing downward to death, those who climb the
hill will have to put forth efforts or they will be carried down with
them.