Not the Main Point

Inner Renewal Comes First

Often, large companies have corporate dress codes because they realize that their image is reflected in the appearance of their employees. They believe that people act as they dress and that the company’s reputation is not only established by its product but by its representatives. These large corporations uphold a standard for their employees. No one has to be an employee,
but should one wish to be one, compliance is required. (John T. Molloy, New Dress for Success (New York, 1988), p. 33)

Similarly, we must uniformly uphold Biblical dress standards in our church if we want to reflect the image of our Master. But here is a problem. Concern for external appearance without the correct internal motivation, has led some into the trap of legalism. So, how do we as Christians handle the sensitive issue of dress and ornaments? Should the church define in detail what church members should wear at home, at work, at play, or in the church? Such an approach was used by the Pharisees and the result was a hollow, loveless religion.

Education is not enough. Sometimes people will accept intellectually but not existentially the validity of Biblical principles of dress and ornamentation. With their mind they say, “What the Bible teaches me in this area is true,” but with their heart they say, “I am not prepared at this point to give up my jewelry or seductive clothes.”
The remedy is to be willing to have God recreate a new heart within us, daily, hourly so that we are eager for His nudgings on any account. “And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart” (Jer 24:7).

We must pray for inner renewal so that we may truly live by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Until we experience this inner renewal we cannot witness effectively for Christ. People hate hypocrisy but appreciate the consistent reflection of Christ’s image in our life.

from: A PRACTICAL LOOK AT A CHRISTIAN’S CLOTHING by Laurel Damsteegt

Ellen G. White Statements
"Those who seek to correct others should present the attractions of Jesus."

“If we consent, He will so identify Himself
with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity
to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our
own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight
in doing His service."

Ellen G. White, Desire of Ages (Mountain View, California,1940), p. 668.

“As the will of man cooperates with the will of God, it
becomes omnipotent. Whatever is to be done at His command may be accomplished
in His strength. All His biddings are enablings.”

Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons (Takoma Park, MD,1942), p. 333.

“There is no use in telling you that you must not wear this or that, for if the
love of these vain things is in your heart, your laying off your adornments
will only be like cutting the foliage off a tree. The inclinations of the natural
heart would again assert themselves. You must have a conscience of your
own.”

Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, May 10, 1892.

“There are many who try to correct the life of others by attacking
what they consider are wrong habits. They go to those whom they think are
in error, and point out their defects. They say, ‘You don’t dress as you should.’
They try to pick off the ornaments, or whatever seems offensive, but they do
not seek to fasten the mind to the truth. Those who seek to correct others
should present the attractions of Jesus. They should talk of His love and
compassion, present His example and sacrifice, reveal His Spirit, and they
need not touch the subject of dress at all. There is no need to make the dress
question the main point of your religion. There is something richer to speak
of. Talk of Christ, and when the heart is converted, everything that is out of
harmony with the Word of God will drop off.”

Ellen G. White, Evangelism (Washington, D.C., 1970), p. 272; cf.

“Talk of the love and humility of Jesus, but do not encourage the brethren and
sisters to engage in picking flaws in the dress or appearance of one another.
Some take delight in this work; and when their minds are turned in this
direction, they begin to feel that they must become church tinkers. They
climb upon the judgment seat, and as soon as they see one of their brethren
and sisters, they look to find something to criticize. This is one of the most
effectual means of becoming narrow-minded and of dwarfing spiritual growth.
God would have them step down from the judgment seat, for He has never
placed them there.”

Ellen G. White in Child Guidance (Washington, D.C., 1982), p. 429