Presenting Health and Christian Standards
235
may appear like the world. Christians are not to decorate the person
with costly array or expensive ornaments.
The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully
considered. We need to understand that which the Lord of heaven
appreciates in even the dressing of the body. All who are in earnest
in seeking for the grace of Christ will heed the precious words of
instruction inspired by God. Even the style of the apparel will express
the truth of the gospel.
All who study the life of Christ and practice His teachings will
become like Christ. Their influence will be like His. They will reveal
soundness of character. As they walk in the humble path of obedience,
doing the will of God, they exert an influence that tells for the advance-
ment of the cause of God and the healthful purity of His work. In
these thoroughly converted souls the world is to have a witness to the
sanctifying power of truth upon the human character.—
Testimonies
For The Church 6:96, 97
(1900).
In Keeping With Our Faith—Self-denial in dress is a part of our
Christian duty. To dress plainly, and abstain from display of jewelry
and ornaments of every kind is in keeping with our faith. Are we of the
number who see the folly of worldlings in indulging in extravagance
of dress as well as in love of amusements? If so, we should be of that
class who shun everything that gives sanction to this spirit which takes
possession of the minds and hearts of those who live for this world
[270]
only, and who have no thought or care for the next.—
Testimonies For
The Church 3:366
(1875).
Conformity to Christ or the World—A sister who had spent
some weeks at one of our institutions in _____, said that she felt much
disappointed in what she saw and heard there.... Before accepting the
truth, she had followed the fashions of the world in her dress, and had
worn costly jewelry and other ornaments; but upon deciding to obey
the Word of God, she felt that its teachings required her to lay aside all
extravagant and superfluous adorning. She was taught that Seventh-
day Adventists did not wear jewelry, gold, silver, or precious stones,
and that they did not conform to worldly fashions in their dress. When
she saw among those who profess the faith such a wide departure from
Bible simplicity, she felt bewildered. Had they not the same Bible
which she had been studying, and to which she had endeavored to
conform her life? Had her past experience been mere fanaticism? Had