Reverence for that which is Holy
417
Irreverence Encouraged by Display of Apparel—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 irrev-
erence.... 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
Show Reverence for Ministers—God’s Representatives.—
Reverence should be shown for God’s representatives—for ministers,
teachers, and parents who are called to speak and act in His stead. In
the respect shown to them He is honored
[545]
They [children] are seldom instructed that the minister is God’s
ambassador, that the message he brings is one of God’s appointed
agencies in the salvation of souls, and that to all who have the privilege
brought within their reach, it will be a savor of life unto life or of death
unto death
Nothing that is sacred, nothing that pertains to the worship of God,
should be treated with carelessness and indifference. When the word
of life is spoken, you should remember that you are listening to the
voice of God through His delegated servant. Do not lose these words
through inattention; if heeded, they may keep your feet from straying
into wrong paths
Accountability of Critical Parents—Parents, be careful what ex-
ample and what ideas you give your children. Their minds are plastic,
and impressions are easily made. In regard to the service of the sanctu-
ary, if the speaker has a blemish, be afraid to mention it. Talk only of
the good work he is doing, of the good ideas he presented, which you
should heed as coming through God’s agent. It may be readily seen
why children are so little impressed with the ministry of the Word, and
why they have so little reverence for the house of God. Their education
has been defective in this respect
21
Testimonies For The Church 5:499, 500
.
22
Education, 244
.
23
Testimonies For The Church 5:497
.
24
Messages to Young People, 266
.
25
Testimonies For The Church 5:498
.