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The Ministry of Health and Healing
and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit
Me’”?
Matthew 25:42, 43
.
But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good
quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be
chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth
and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs
“is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household
are clothed with double garments.”
Proverbs 31:21
, KJV margin.
Our clothing should be clean. Uncleanliness in dress is unhealth-
ful, and thus defiling to both body and soul. “You are the temple of
God. ... If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him.”
1 Corinthians 3:16, 17
.
In all respects our apparel should be healthful. “Above all things,”
God desires us to “be in health”—health of body and of soul. And
we are to be workers together with Him for the health of both soul
and body. Both are promoted by healthful dress.
Our apparel should have the grace, the beauty, the appropriate-
ness of natural simplicity. Christ has warned us against the pride
of life, but not against its grace and natural beauty. He pointed to
the flowers of the field, to the lily unfolding in its purity, and said,
“‘Even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.’”
Matthew 6:29
. Thus by the things of nature Christ illustrated the
beauty that Heaven values—the modest grace, simplicity, purity, and
appropriateness that would make our attire pleasing to Him.
The most beautiful clothing He urges us to wear on the soul. No
outward adorning can compare in value or loveliness to that “gentle
and quiet spirit” which in His sight is “very precious.”
1 Peter 3:4
.
To those who make the Savior’s principles their guide, how
precious are His words of promise: “‘Why do you worry about
clothing? ... If God so clothes the grass of the field, which today
is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more
clothe you? ... Therefore do not worry, saying, ... “What shall we
wear?” ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these
things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.’”
Matthew 6:28-33
.
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on
You, because he trusts in You.”
Isaiah 26:3
.