The subject of Christian adornment is one of very great importance, since our lives are closely watched by people of the world. ---
It is our solemn duty to see that those who behold us and are more or less associated with us do not become disappointed in their expectation. The world expects much of the man or the woman that professes to be a Christian; and well they may, since such a profession is the highest that one can make in life. The nonprofessor, though void of the grace of God, has an idea of what the Christian life is, and especially of how the children of God should walk. He knows something of what the Bible teaches and expects those who profess, to live accordingly. It is a sad fact that the world ofttimes loses confidence, and some have been driven even to skepticism and infidelity by the inconsistent lives of professing Christians. Since Jesus has said, "Ye are the light of the world," we, as Christians, must not be indifferent as to how we appear in the sight of others. The Word of God holds out the idea that the Christian life is a beautiful life. It even gives instruction as to how the saints of God should adorn themselves. Hence it is good that we understand of what this adornment consists, so that we may be able to glorify Him "in our bodies and spirits, which are God's."
The Inner Adornment
The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, mentions this matter, and, in speaking of the saved says, "Whose adorning, let. it not be that outward adorning, 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." 'For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands" (I Peter 3:3-5). The adornment recommended in the foregoing text pertains to the inner man and is very essential. By reading the context we find that it is in obedience to this injunction that the wife is to win her unsaved husband to Christ. Her life is to be so ornamented and beautified by humble submission coupled with fear that his hard heart will finally yield, being captivated by the sweet influence of heavenly graces. This is true charm and beauty. There is nothing on earth so lovely as the Christian whose heart is filled with the Spirit of God. One may possess no marked personal attraction, the form may not be graceful or the features handsome, yet if those heavenly virtues and graces be not wanting, that person is indeed beautiful. This is a matter of the greatest importance, in as much as it has to do with practical Christianity. It is easy for one to testify to being saved, but the thought that should enlist our earnest inquiry is: Am I manifesting the life of Christ in my daily conduct? Is my life adorned by the graces and fruits of the Spirit? . If after self-examination we find that such is the case, we may feel assured that God's smile of approval is resting upon us; but if not, there is need of our digging deeper and perhaps of our uncovering some cause or hindrance. Those who have obeyed the apostle's injunction experience a sweet soul-rest and a blessed satisfaction. They realize that they are dead to the world and that they have found something which transcends all that the world can give. But there are others who somehow fail in reaching this point. They are not satisfied in their experiences, and as a rule they have some difficulties in keeping free from the influences of the world. Hence, it was necessary for the apostle to give some instructions to the early Christians concerning
Outward Adornment
"In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel." Such is Paul's instruction in I Timothy 2:9. "But," says someone, "I can see no adorning in that which is modest and plain." The apostle could. To him modest apparel was beautiful, and so it is to all who truly are spiritual-minded. He who can see no more beauty in a neat, plain dress than in that which is worldly does not yet see as God sees.
Opinions may vary as to what is meant by "modest apparel," but from what follows, it is evident that it admits of nothing put on merely for show or to attract attention. This is a point where we need to guard well our motives. When we make a purchase of some article of wearing apparel, we should be sure that it is not selected with the purpose of making ourselves attractive in a worldly way. The Word gives no room for such outward adornment.
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel" (I Peter 3:3). Here the apostle speaks clearly and specifies certain things which were worn among the Orientals for the purpose of adornment. Of course, other articles could be added to the list, but what should concern us is not merely to know and designate certain things to be avoided in our apparel, but rather to know that we are free from the spirit of pride and worldliness, which calls for things not modest and becoming to one professing godliness.
The Danger-line Avoided
It is enough that the people of God dress in neat, becoming apparel. Carelessness and untidiness in our appearance and clothing are as far from the Bible standard as is worldly conformity. God’s people should be exemplary , not only in their manner of living, but also in their general appearance. It is not inconsistent for them to select such articles and such colors as would render their appearance neat and becoming. There is no set rule to which all must conform. All have liberty to exercise their choice and preference as long as they stay within the bounds prescribed by the apostles. But "costly raiment" , articles of adornment, and flashy colors are certainly inconsistent with modesty.
If we give way to temptation and put on something of a questionable nature, possibly because someone else wears the same, we admit one of those "little foxes" in our garden. More will likely follow and soon spoil our vine, so that the husbandman must take it away and cast it into the fire.
It is always good to be on the safe side, and in order to do this we must avoid the danger-line.
If we live close to God, and keep filled with His Spirit, we are not likely to experience much trouble in the matter of dress, neither shall we be so much inclined to pattern after others at the expense of our own conscience. Thank God! there is perfect liberty in Christ, and those who fully enjoy this liberty realize no inclination to compromise with the world, but are rather desirous that the inner man be adorned with the beautiful graces of the Spirit of God.