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A Mark of Christian Womanhood, September 24
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the
hair, and of wearing of gold, or 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
.
Lovers of fashion may claim to be followers of Christ, but their dress
and conversation show what occupies the mind and engages the affections.
The outside appearance is an index to the heart. True refinement does
not find satisfaction in the adorning of the body for display. A modest,
godly woman will dress modestly. Simplicity of apparel always makes a
sensible woman appear to the best advantage. A refined, cultured mind
will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate attire. In the
sanctified heart there is no place for thoughts of needless adornment.
There is an ornament that will never perish, that will promote the
happiness of all around us in this life, and will shine with undimmed
luster in the immortal future. It is the adorning of a meek and lowly spirit.
God has bidden us wear the richest dress upon the soul.
The inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit is priceless. In the
life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with
the inward peace and holiness.... Self-denial and sacrifice will mark the
Christian’s life. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the
dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.
It is right to love beauty and to desire it; but God desires us to love
and seek first the highest beauty, that which is imperishable. No outward
adorning can compare in value or loveliness with that “meek and quiet
spirit,” the “fine linen, white and clean” (
Revelation 19:14
), which all the
holy ones of earth will wear. This apparel will make them beautiful and
beloved here, and will hereafter be their badge of admission to the palace
of the King. His promise is, “They shall walk with me in white: for they
are worthy.”
Revelation 3:4
.
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