House of God
327
Scripture. As you take the Bible in your hands, remember that you
are on holy ground. Angels are around you, and could your eyes be
opened, you would behold them. Let your conduct be such that you
will leave the impression upon every soul with whom you associate
that a pure and holy atmosphere surrounds you. One vain word, one
trifling laugh, may balance a soul in the wrong direction. Terrible are
the consequences of not having a constant connection with God
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Dress So That God Is the Subject of Thought
All should be taught to be neat, clean, and orderly in their dress, but
not to indulge in that external adorning which is wholly inappropriate
for the sanctuary. There should be no display of the apparel; for this
encourages irreverence. The attention of the people is often called to
this or that fine article of dress, and thus thoughts are intruded that
should have no place in the hearts of the worshipers. God is to be the
subject of thought, the object of worship; and anything that attracts the
mind from the solemn, sacred service is an offense to Him.
All matters of dress should be strictly guarded, following closely
the Bible rule. Fashion has been the goddess who has ruled the outside
world, and she often insinuates herself into the church. The church
should make the word of God her standard, and parents should think
intelligently upon this subject. When they see their children inclined
to follow worldly fashions, they should, like Abraham, resolutely
command their households after them. Instead of uniting them with
the world, connect them with God. Let none dishonor God’s sanctuary
by their showy apparel. God and angels are there. The Holy One of
Israel has spoken through His apostle: “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
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458
Fundamentals of Christian Education, 194, 195
459
Testimonies for the Church 5:499, 500