Bible Training School
May 1, 1908
The Dress of the Christian
In most cases submission to the gospel requirements will demand a decided change in the dress. True conversion of the heart will work wonderful changes in the outward appearance. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 1
There should be no carelessness in dress. Teach the young converts that dress is a talent. For Christ's sake, whose property we are, we should seek to make the best of our appearance. In the tabernacle service, God specified every detail concerning the garments of those who ministered before Him. Thus we are taught that the Lord has a preference in regard to the dress of those who serve Him. Very particular were the directions given in regard to Aaron's robes, for his dress was symbolical. So the dress of Christ's followers should be symbolical. In all things we are to be representatives of Him. Good taste should be exercised in the selection of appropriate colors. Our dress should be tidy and well fitting. The hair should be carefully arranged. Our appearance in every respect should be characterized by neatness, modesty, and purity. But the word of God gives us no sanction in making changes in our apparel merely for the sake of fashion,—that we may appear like the world. When the desire for display in dress absorbs the mind, vanity is manifested. All this must be put away. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 2
The words of Scripture in regard to dress should be carefully considered. The Holy Spirit through the apostle Paul says, “In like manner also, let women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works,” And through the apostle Paul the instruction is given, “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.” BTS May 1, 1908, par. 3
Christians are not to decorate the person with costly array or expensive ornaments. All this display imparts no value to the character. The Lord desires every converted person to put away the idea that dressing as worldlings dress, will give value to his influence. The ornamentation of the person with jewels and luxurious things is a species of idolatry. This needless display reveals a love for those things which are supposed to place a value upon the person. It gives evidence to the world of a heart destitute of the inward adornment. Expensive dress and adornments of jewelry give an incorrect representation of the truth that should always be represented as of the highest value. An over-dressed, outwardly adorned person bears the sign of inward poverty. A lack of spirituality is revealed. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 4
Extravagance in dress requires the expenditure of means that is needed to advance the work of the Lord. Extra ribbons and bows mean pennies and shillings spent needlessly. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 5
The trimming of ladies’ hats with high-standing bows is a needless expense, and is unbecoming to a Christian. In the house of God the over-trimmed hats are a positive annoyance. The congregation desire to see the face of the speaker as well as to hear his voice; but the ladies’ hats with their high-standing ribbons and bows, obscure the view. Many in the congregation may be seen peering this way and that way to get a glimpse of the speaker; but often their efforts are in vain. Their enjoyment of the services is marred, and the minister who observes all this is disturbed. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 6
Satan has a snare laid to captivate unwary souls by leading them to give more attention to their outward adorning than to the inward graces which a love of truth and righteousness displays, as the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 7
Many indulge a passion for dress. They spend their money for that which is not bread, and are as foolish as was Esau, who sold his birthright for a mess of pottage. Many bar their own souls from entering the straight gate because they can not indulge their love for display and yet believe in Christ and walk in His footsteps. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 8
“If any man will come after Me,” said Christ, “let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Self-denial and self-sacrifice will mark the Christian's life. Evidence that the taste is really converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk the narrow path of holiness, the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in. BTS May 1, 1908, par. 9