The Adventist Runway
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· 17 viewsThere appears to be neverending compromise between the church and the world. Some of the compromise has become so common place that we hardly consider it wrong. Today we ask the question: “What unpopular truth does the Bible teach about Christian fashion and are we willing to accept it?”
Notes
Transcript
Tennis star Boris Becker was at the very top of the tennis world -- yet he was on the brink of suicide. He said, "I had won Wimbledon twice before, once as the youngest player. I was rich. I had all the material possessions I needed ... It's the old song of movie stars and pop stars who commit suicide. They have everything, and yet they are so unhappy. I had no inner peace. I was a puppet on a string."
Becker is not the only one to feel that sense of emptiness. The echoes of a hollow life pervade our culture. One doesn't have to read many contemporary biographies to find the same frustration and disappointment. Jack Higgens, author of such successful novels and The Eagle Has Landed, was asked what he would like to have known as a boy. His answer: "That when you get to the top, there's nothing there."
Our Daily Bread, July 9, 1994.
Today we address
temptation of vanity.
Specifically
outward display
in human fashion.
General Principles on Modesty
General Principles on Modesty
Before Sin:
And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
After Sin:
And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them.
When sin entered the world,
we could no longer be
naked around each other.
Sin causes us to
have a depraved and corrupt
mind towards others.
There are new rules
physical appearance
outward display
modesty.
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
Name 3 categories of sin.
All of them
Focus on external
lust for external:
flesh
eyes
pride of life.
Paul affirms
this concept
in the NT.
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
—
and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty,
—
which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it,
There are body parts
that are supposed
to remain covered.
Therefore
God instituted
overarching principle
of physical bodies
and sexuality:
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
For Men
For Men
“I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?
For Women
For Women
But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Therefore,
our women have
some responsibility,
for the stewardship
of your brothers.
Dress in such a way,
as to not encourage
any unnecessary lust,
especially at church,
where we are coming
to meet God.
Inward vs. Outward Appearance
Inward vs. Outward Appearance
Immodesty
is a imbalanced focus
on outward beauty.
We have been
repeatedly warned
by God
not to do this.
While picking King David:
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
We are confronted
with an innate broken thinking
we like to focus on externals.
But what does
the wisest man
say about this?
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman without discretion.
External beauty
lacking inward integrity
is worthless.
Like Vashti -
pinnacle of womanhood.
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded... to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.
—
But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s command delivered by the eunuchs. At this the king became enraged, and his anger burned within him.
She obviously had
the outward beauty.
Or the king would not
have been asking her to
publicly flaunt it.
In the face of danger
losing her throne...
She was modest.
refused to flaunt
the outward beauty
loving the inward beauty!
Principles of Modesty
Principles of Modesty
This leads us
back to NT.
These are famous verses:
likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
Let’s look at
list of prohibitions:
braided hair - jewelry in hair
gold or pearls - expensive jewelry
costly clothes.
Principles
Principles
1. Financial Stewardship
Everything on list
is expensive.
Prohibition is primarily
against flaunting wealth
externally on the body.
I find it interesting,
as SDA’s
we talk about jewelry
not about
“costly clothing”!!!!!
If you think about it,
anything that is
outward expression of
expensive taste is
prohibited in this verse.
Examples:
Expensive Clothing
Expensive Vehicles
Expensive Housing
Brands:
Gucci
Prada
Dior
Armani
Louis Vuitton
Car Brands
Bently
Aston Martin
Even
BMW
Mercedes
Cadillac
Let’s be honest
at some point
you are no longer paying for
certain features or trims
you are paying for a name.
Why do we really want:
Louis Vuitton purse?
Lululemon pants?
The Aston Martin DB5?
The Highest Trim pickup?
Deep within us
we don’t feel value.
we look for it in
possessions.
We forget that
our value is
in Christ alone.
This helps us see
2nd principle.
Financial Stewardship
Find Value In Christ
Move to next verse:
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—
—
but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Similar to last verse.
same 3 examples.
This verse has different
emphasis
motivation
principle.
Next Principle:
Financial Stewardship
Find Value In Christ
Inward vs. Outward Focus
Not just financial.
Focus on looking good.
Not just flaunting money.
Drawing attention to beauty.
As we already saw,
God does not want us
to draw attention to
outward attraction.
This applies to
jewelry that is
not costly.
It is sinful to
flaunt wealth outwardly
with costly items
on our bodies.
But it is not good behavior
to mimic this sin
with inexpensive jewelry.
Bible says:
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Meaning:
don’t do things
that look like sin.
Example:
don’t hang out in bar
even if you don’t drink.
Don’t deck yourself
with inexpensive jewels
like those who
flaunt wealth by possessions.
Actually,
this is more than
the appearance of sin.
This temptation is
to catch attention
by outward beauty.
This is the temptation to
vanity
pride
love of display.
Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
This applies to
many more topics than
we usually like to apply it.
Time Woman spends
in front of mirror
doing her hair.
Time Guy who spends
in front of mirror
at the gym.
Trying to focus on
looking good externally.
Regarding physically...
This can be done
many ways today.
Chasing fashion trends
Wearing Jewelry
Conspicuous Makeup
Conspicuous Nail Polish
Tight Clothing
Revealing Clothing
Low Cut
High Cut
I did it all.
grab attentions
lots of jewelry
different hair colors
designer fashion
hours in gym
little modeling.
It is empty!
To the gym rats
(I was one)
God says:
for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
We are not say,
don’t exercise
don’t brush your teeth/hair.
We are asking,
what is my motivation
to do these things.
If our motivation is
health
neatness
presentability
representing Christ.
Good.
But if somewhere
deep in our soul
vanity is part of
the motivation
we need change.
This brings us to
4rd principle:
Financial Stewardship
Find Value In Christ
Inward vs. Outward Focus
Pursue Health
Dress in ways
that are healthy!
Avoid fads that
damage the body.
Examples:
Tight Clothing (collars)
Damages breathing
Circulation
High Heels
Not healthy form
Undergarments that
Don’t Breath
Beauty over Function.
A middle-aged, wealthy woman has a heart attack. While on the operating table she has a near death experience. She sees the angel at the gates and asks if this is it.
The angel says no, she has another 30-40 years to live. She recovers, and decides to stay in the hospital and have a face lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, hair dyed, etc. She figures since she's got another 30 or 40 years, she might as well make the most of it.
As she walks out of the hospital after the last operation she is immediately struck and killed by an ambulance.
When she arrives at the pearly gates, she sees the same angel and asks, "I thought you said I had another 30 or 40 years?"
"To tell you the truth," the angel replied..."I didn't recognize you." [adapted from haruth.com]
It is interesting
multiple places
in the OT
God calls for
consecration
they make physical
outward change to
their appearance.
For the Lord had said to Moses, “Say to the people of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people; if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you.
—
So now take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do with you.’ ” Therefore the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments, from Mount Horeb onward.
After sin of
the Golden Calf.
God’s retributive anger
is burning and
He is saying
“I may not continue
on this trip with you
to the promised land.”
People repent,
go forward.
We see that
imbalanced use
outward adornment
is a spiritual issue!
Financial Stewardship
Find Value In Christ
Inward vs. Outward Focus
Pursue Health
It Is a Spiritual Issue
Many want to teach
that our outward fashion
is just our personal
prerogative.
The bible teaches
outward fashion is
is an expression of
our inward health.
Similar to Jesus teaching:
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Our outward behavior
speaks to our inward health.
This is true of all things
and
This is true of fashion.
Show me a person who
longs to be noticed...
I will show you a person who
is spiritually hurting.
Moving On.
Proverbs talk about
ideal wife
dangerous woman.
Ideal Wife
entire chapter.
She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
—
“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Notice,
she is not focused on
outward beauty.
Outward beauty
fades away.
Inward beauty
grows, increases, improves.
Now the dangerous woman:
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call insight your intimate friend, to keep you from the forbidden woman, from the adulteress with her smooth words.
Stay away from forbidden woman...
And behold, the woman meets him, dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.
How would you know
that she was a prostitute?
Emphasis on physical form
Exposure of skin
Seductive appearance
Strategic use of adornment
Contrast with modest dress.
With much seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth talk she compels him. All at once he follows her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver; as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know that it will cost him his life.
This leads us to
next principle
of modesty.
Principles on Modest Fashion
Principles on Modest Fashion
Financial Stewardship
Find Value In Christ
Inward vs. Outward Focus
Pursue Health
It Is a Spiritual Issue
Lust Destroys
Truly
solution to all
humility.
Although George Whitefield disagreed with John Wesley on some theological matters, he was careful not to create problems in public that could be used to hinder the preaching of the gospel. When someone asked Whitefield if he thought he would see Wesley in heaven, Whitefield replied, "I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne and we at such a distance, we shall hardly get sight of him."
W. Wiersbe, Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, Moody Press, 1984, p. 255.
But What About?
But What About?
After all of this
sound teaching
some will still quibble.
They don’t want to
admit that their
fashion choices
not in accordance with
Word of God.
Find numerous verses
make it acceptable.
Primary issue:
Does Bible Condemn Jewelry?
What about:
1 Timothy 2:11-14
1 Timothy 2:11-14
We like to quote
verse 9 and 10.
But how can we
apply next verses?
likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.
What about next verses:
Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.
continue...
For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Does verses
11 and 12 still apply?
Most churches say no.
If they don’t...
If they are cultural...
aren’t 9-10 also?
Two Possible Answers:
We don’t follow bible.
Cultural Context.
Both are true.
How can you say:
verse 9 and 10 apply
verse 11-12 are cultural.
May not realize
true other places in scripture:
Examples:
Lev 10 - Priesthood - void
Lev 11 - Unclean Food - applies
Lev 12 - Circumcision - void
1 Cor 11
Head Coverings - cultural
Hair Length - cultural
Lord’s Supper - applies
Male Headship - unsure...
Priest and Jewelry?
Priest and Jewelry?
And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood.
Priest wore jewelry
They represented God.
Why cant I?
This is very similar to
next question.
Both have same answer.
Heaven and Jewels
Heaven and Jewels
What about Jewels in Heaven?
And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
We can wear crown in heaven
but not here on earth?
We were also naked
before sin
now we can’t be.
More verses about Jewels in heaven
Lucifer decked in Jewels
before his fall.
“Son of man, raise a lamentation over the king of Tyre, and say to him, Thus says the Lord God: “You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.
—
You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, sardius, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, emerald, and carbuncle; and crafted in gold were your settings and your engravings. On the day that you were created they were prepared.
Holy City:
And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Streets of Gold.
Foundations precious jewels
Gates of Pearls
etc.
God looks like jewels.
And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald.
In sinless environment
when all motives are pure
not competition
no envy
all have jewels
jewels are common (streets)
dressed in light
fashion is different.
Jewelry is not
connected to sin
lust for this world.
Unfortunately,
here it is.
Next question.
What about when:
Israel Plunders Egypt
Israel Plunders Egypt
but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
This was not
focus on wearing jewelry
rather final payment
for years of slavery.
Patriarchs and Prophets Chapter 22—Moses
The Egyptians had been enriched by the labor unjustly exacted from the Israelites, and as the latter were to start on the journey to their new home, it was right for them to claim the reward of their years of toil.
—
They were to ask for articles of value, such as could be easily transported, and God would give them favor in the sight of the Egyptians. The mighty miracles wrought for their deliverance would strike terror to the oppressors, so that the requests of the bondmen would be granted.
What did God
have them do with
much of the jewelry?
Then all the congregation of the people of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the Lord’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments.
—
So they came, both men and women. All who were of a willing heart brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and armlets, all sorts of gold objects, every man dedicating an offering of gold to the Lord. And every one who possessed blue or purple or scarlet yarns or fine linen or goats’ hair or tanned rams’ skins or goatskins brought them.
—
Everyone who could make a contribution of silver or bronze brought it as the Lord’s contribution. And every one who possessed acacia wood of any use in the work brought it. And every skillful woman spun with her hands, and they all brought what they had spun in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen.
—
All the women whose hearts stirred them to use their skill spun the goats’ hair. And the leaders brought onyx stones and stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastpiece, and spices and oil for the light, and for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense.
They used it
to build the sanctuary.
Jewelry = money.
God was giving them money.
They were repeatedly
asked to take it off.
(as cited earlier).
Spiritual Metaphors and Jewelry
Spiritual Metaphors and Jewelry
Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.
This is a metaphor.
The bible also
metaphorically calls wisdom:
honey,
pure milk,
light,
a lamp unto the feet,
pearls,
Lady (a personified figure),
a shepherd,
a fortress,
and the vine and branches.
It is a metaphor.
It means that
it will bring wealth
mentally
spiritually.
This does not mean
we must live in fortress.
we must us traditional lamps
we must be shepherd
etc. etc.
… I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord God, and you became mine… I clothed you also with embroidered cloth and shod you with fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.
—
And I adorned you with ornaments and put bracelets on your wrists and a chain on your neck. And I put a ring on your nose and earrings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head. Thus you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen and silk and embroidered cloth.
—
You ate fine flour and honey and oil. You grew exceedingly beautiful and advanced to royalty. And your renown went forth among the nations because of your beauty, for it was perfect through the splendor that I had bestowed on you, declares the Lord God.
God talking about
his adoption and marriage
with the nation of Israel.
Again a metaphor...
Jewelry carried
connotation of value.
If you give someone
some jewelry
you value them.
God spoke in the
broken language and customs
of the time.
So they would understand
His love for them.
It is a metaphor
of His love.
He is not necessarily
condoning the use
of jewelry itself.
For example,
God has Hosea
marry a prostitute
to teach a lesson
about His love.
That was also
a metaphor
lived in real time.
We cannot assume that
this is a recommendation
by God about
good marriage practice.
These are metaphors
of God’s love.
They should lead us
to humility
not pride and vanity!
On a visit to the Beethoven museum in Bonn, a young American student became fascinated by the piano on which Beethoven had composed some of his greatest works. She asked the museum guard if she could play a few bars on it; she accompanied the request with a lavish tip, and the guard agreed. The girl went to the piano and tinkled out the opening of the Moonlight Sonata. As she was leaving she said to the guard, "I suppose all the great pianist who come here want to play on that piano."
The guard shook his head. "Padarewski [the famed Polish pianist] was here a few years ago and he said he wasn't worthy to touch it."
Source Unknown.
More Metaphors:
There are many
more metaphors
about jewelry in Bible.
Here are some:
Lift up your eyes around and see; they all gather, they come to you. As I live, declares the Lord, you shall put them all on as an ornament; you shall bind them on as a bride does.
Can a virgin forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
“Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
These are metaphors.
None of these verses
should be viewed as
recommendations for
use of jewelry.
Narratives With Jewelry
Narratives With Jewelry
What about stories of
people using jewelry?
Eliezer Gave Rebekah Dowry Jewelry
Eliezer Gave Rebekah Dowry Jewelry
And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments.
It was a customary
practice in the ANE
give dowry to
bride/family.
The Prodigal Son Was Given a Ring
The Prodigal Son Was Given a Ring
But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.
Signet Ring - Functional.
Could also be beaty
Represented:
authority
right
power
documents
legal actions.
Talk about Functional Jewelry
Watches
Wedding Ring?
Principles about Narratives
Principles about Narratives
Remember there are also,
lots of verses about
other things that
God does not condone:
polygamy
slavery
alcohol use.
Remember,
“Freedom Is Not License”
God created us
with freewill.
Just because people
did those things
and it was common at times
does not mean that
God wants us
to do those things!
If you use the argument
“people in the Bible did it”
Then we should
have multiple spouses
have slaves
drink alcohol
lie
cheat
steal.
Other humans are
not our role models.
Someone once said:
"Nothing so soothes our vanity as a display of greater vanity in others; it makes us vain, in fact, of our modesty."
This leads us to
final principle:
Principles on Modest Fashion
Principles on Modest Fashion
Financial Stewardship
Find Value In Christ
Inward vs. Outward Focus
Pursue Health
It Is a Spiritual Issue
Lust Destroys
Don’t Be Stumbling Block
… But rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.
God teaches that
focus on outward
adorment is wrong.
Everyone likes to
draw that line
a little differently.
We like to condone
our “gray” behaviors
and condemn
other’s borderline behaviors.
We must remember,
our behavior impacts
people around us.
Therefore,
even if we believed
that our choices were
right in God’s eyes
but others felt wrong
we should choose
love fellow Christian
stop the behavior.
Remember that,
I had nobody in mind
when writing this sermon.
If any part
sounded like
it was against you...
If you really got
your toes stepped on...
Please consider it
God’s conviction
not my attack.
In fact,
I rarely even notice
what people wear.
good or bad.
Others do.
You know how I
find out that someone
was wearing
necklace
earrings
conspicuous nail polish
etc.
Ellie tells me.
Then she says,
“Daddy,
why can they wear XXXXXXX
and I can’t???
I tell her,
what I tell you.
Don’t look to people,
No humans are
perfect role models.
I mention this because
it is our responsibility
to protect our little ones.
From
false teaching
improper behavior
through our example.
Your behavior,
especially on this point
does not only effect you.
Please make good choices.
The church is filled with
lost more like Ellie
(I have heard from others).
This is why I
no longer wear tie.
Not functional.
I don’t want to
be stumbling block.
The bible says:
And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea
—
than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin. Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
Let’s protect the young
you made this promise
with me at each
Baby dedication.
SDA Position on Adornment
SDA Position on Adornment
Because of
modern push to
compromise everything.
have not standards...
Many SDA members,
not sure what
we believe anymore
on the topic of Jewelry.
Like the days
of the judges
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
So what do we believe?
22 Christian Behavior
We are called to be a godly people who think, feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in all aspects of personal and social life. For the Spirit to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve ourselves only in those things that will produce Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives.
—
“This means that our amusement and entertainment should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and beauty. While recognizing cultural differences, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befitting those whose true beauty does not consist of outward adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a gentle and quiet spirit.
—
“It also means that because our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods identified in the Scriptures.
—
“Since alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, joy, and goodness.”
Clearly quoting from:
Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
Peter taught
jewelry is wrong
steals from Spiritual health
by focusing on the
outward adorning.
Ellen White on Jewelry
Ellen White on Jewelry
To this point
shown only 1 quote
from Ellen White.
She has much to say
modesty
fashion
adornment.
For the most part
we agree...
Just focus on
topic of jewelry.
We Shouldn’t Wear Jewelry
We Shouldn’t Wear Jewelry
“I was directed to the following scriptures. Said the angel, “They are to instruct God's people.” … (quote 1 Tim 2:9-10 and 1 Pet 3:3-5) …”
“Love of dress and pleasure is wrecking the happiness of thousands…”
“Self-denial in dress is a part of our Christian duty. To dress plainly, abstaining from display of jewelry and ornaments of every kind, is in keeping with our faith.”
CCh 181 and T3 p. 366
Jewelry is an Idol
Jewelry is an Idol
Those who have bracelets, and wear gold and ornaments, had better take these idols from their persons and sell them, even if it should be for much less than they gave for them, and thus practice self-denial. Time is too short to adorn the body with gold or silver or costly apparel. I know a good work can be done in this line. 9MR 117.1
Not just problem
with the cost itself.
Spiritual issue.
Calls jewelry idols.
Converted Persons Take It Off
Converted Persons Take It Off
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 our 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 overdressed, outwardly adorned person bears the sign of inward poverty. A lack of spirituality is revealed.
15LtMs, Ms 56, 1900, par. 14
Not just concerned with
cost of jewelry.
Concerned with
impact on spiritual character.
Church Program about Taking Off Jewelry
Church Program about Taking Off Jewelry
She spoke favorably of a special program held a Battle Creek to invite everyone to remove their jewelry and sell it for the Lord’s work. PH084 2.2
Story About Leaders Wearing Jewelry
Story About Leaders Wearing Jewelry
“A great responsibility rests upon all who have received the light of truth, and especially upon those to whom the people look for instruction and guidance. Those who occupy positions of responsibility in our institutions are exerting an influence scarcely less potent and wide-spread than that of our ministers.
—
They should be men and women of moral worth and of deep and living experience in the things of God. By their influence and example they are either proclaiming to the world the truths we hold or declaring these truths to be of none effect. The fearful effect of a worldly, unconsecrated influence at the head of the work is felt by our own people throughout the land.
—
An instance of this came under my own notice not long since. A sister who had spent some weeks at one of our institutions in Battle Creek, said that she felt much disappointed in what she saw and heard there. She had thought to find a people far in advance of the younger churches, both in knowledge of the truth and in religious experience. Here she hoped to gain much instruction which she could carry to her sisters in the faith in a distant State.
—
But she was surprised and pained at the lightness, the worldliness, and lack of devotion which she met on every hand. 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 she misinterpreted the words of the apostle, “The friendship of the world is enmity with God, for whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”? Mrs. D., a lady occupying a position in the institution, was visiting at Sr. -----'s room one day, when the latter took out of her trunk a gold necklace and chain, and said she wished to dispose of this jewelry and put the proceeds into the Lord's treasury.
—
Said the other, “Why do you sell it? I would wear it if it was mine.” “Why,” replied Sr. -----, “when I received the truth, I was taught that all these things must be laid aside. Surely they are contrary to the teachings of God's word.” And she cited her hearer to the words of the apostles, Paul and Peter, upon this point, [quote 1 Tim 2:9-10 and 1 Pet 3:3-4].
—
In answer, the lady displayed a gold ring on her finger, given her by an unbeliever, and said she thought it no harm to wear such ornaments. “We are not so particular,” said she, “as formerly. Our people have been over- scrupulous in their opinions upon the subject of dress.
—
The ladies of this institution wear gold watches and gold chains, and dress like other people. It is not good policy to be singular in our dress; for we cannot exert so much influence.”
—
We inquire, Is this in accordance with the teachings of Christ? Are we to follow the word of God, or the customs of the world? Our sister decided that it was safest to adhere to the Bible standard. Will Mrs. D. and others who pursue a similar course be pleased to meet the result of their influence, in that day when every man shall receive according to his works?
—
God's word is plain. Its teachings cannot be mistaken. Shall we obey it, just as he has given it to us, or shall we seek to find how far we can digress and yet be saved?
—
Would that all connected with our institutions would receive and follow the divine light, and thus be enabled to transmit light to those who walk in darkness. Conformity to the world is a sin which is sapping the spirituality of our people…
RH March 28, 1882, par. 6
Ellen White is
not just upset because
someone wore jewelry
misrepresented SDA teachings...
She is bothered that
person of authority,
someone that should understand
teaching others
contrary to our stated beliefs.
The is about
accountability of
leaders at church
living and teaching
our doctrines honestly.
You can believe
whatever you want.
But you cannot
believe falsely
teach falsely
live falsely
and be a leader!!!
If you are
“up front”
Preach
Teach
SS Teacher
Working with Kids
Song Leader
Special Music
etc.
Live our faith...
Or step down.
At least,
baptismal vows.
Adornment is Wrong Because of the Financial Cost
Adornment is Wrong Because of the Financial Cost
There are many whose hearts have been so hardened by prosperity that they forget God, and forget the wants of their fellow-men. Professed Christians adorn themselves with jewelry, laces, costly apparel, while the Lord's poor suffer for the necessaries of life.
—
Men and women who claim redemption through a Saviour's blood will squander the means intrusted to them for the saving of other souls, and then grudging dole out their offerings for religion, giving liberally only when it will bring honor to themselves. These are idolaters.
ST January 26, 1882, Art. A, par. 13
Apparently ,
God gave us
some “extra money”
to be used to save other people.
We should not squander
that money on vanity.
We see ladies professing godliness wear elegant gold chains, necklaces, rings, and other jewelry, with a profusion of feathers and ribbons, and expensive trimmings, while want stalks in the street, and the suffering and destitute are in every side. These do not interest them, nor awaken their sympathy.
12Lt Ms, Ms 132, 1897, par. 20
There is altogether too much money expended for needless things for the ornamentation of houses, and for expensive furniture. While the heart may not worship these things,
—
those who expend their means for jewelry and for things to beautify, to please the eye, may be under condemnation from God because the means is only lent them of God—entrusted to them to be traded upon, to be used to bring talents to the Master.
4LtMs, Ms 50, 1886, par. 1
God will judge
how we spend
our money.
Waste of Time on Outward Display
Waste of Time on Outward Display
It is evident that fashionable ladies are losing the consciousness that true beauty of dress consists in its simplicity, rather than in ruffles, flounces, puffs, tucks, and elaborate embroidery. The arranging of jewelry, sashes, laces, and unnecessary ornaments upon their persons, alone must occupy a large share of their time.
—
It is apparent that women professing godliness have their minds and thoughts absorbed with, “What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?” It really seems to be the mission and object of a large class of women to exhibit their wardrobe. Their burdens, trials, and perplexities, are mostly in regard to dress. HR March 1, 1874, par. 1
Back then
fancy dresses more made
by mom!
She condemned
overly fancy and
unnecessary embroidery.
Why?
Waste oftime for vanity.
Now the time is not
wasted at the sewing table
but at the shopping center
trying to find the
vain clothing.
When Should Presentation About Jewelry Be Given?
When Should Presentation About Jewelry Be Given?
Today I have had an interview with one who is just taking her stand for the truth, but she is much adorned with gold bracelets and rings. I think she is good material, and will bear to hear kindly advice. The word must be presented: [quotes 1 Peter 3:3, 4].
I believe that this sister has received the truth and will practice the truth. If she loves the truth she will obey the words of Christ.—Letter 112, 1896, p. 3. (To Sister Wessels and Children, October 16, 1896.)
How Does Conviction Work?
How Does Conviction Work?
I’m not convicted on that yet...
There is some truth
to this idea.
But some error too.
God does lead us
from point to point.
We are not all lead
in the exact same order.
But...
How does conviction work?
God convicts us by
showing us His Word.
We understand
it is truth.
We see
our life is not
living God’s plan.
We ask for help
to change our lives
in accordance with
the new light
God gave us.
When we are taught,
we see it is truth
we don’t want to change
we say,
“I’m not convicted yet.”
This is not
biblical conviction.
This is rather
rebellion against truth.
So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.
An old fable of Aesop tells of the fox and the crow. A crow once stole a piece of meat. The fox, who wanted the meat, began to compliment the crow. First he complimented the beauty of her black feathers. Then, he complimented the beauty of her form. Finally he complimented her signing voice as asked to hear her sing. The crow was so overcome by the praise, she opened her mouth to sing and
dropped the meat, which the fox promptly picked up and ate. Our experience tells us that such vanity is not reserved for crows.
Appeal
Appeal
Take some time
to evaluate how
vanity of this world
is impacting
your life
your family.
Then make a choice
to surrender that
to God.
