What does Ellen White write about...
Adventistische Schriften über: "What clothing is appropriate in the congregation?"
Answer
Clothing for worship should be characterized by cleanliness, orderliness, and modesty, and should be clearly distinct from ordinary everyday attire. It is recommended to have a special “Sabbath suit” or a particular dress ready for the assembly before God, to show reverence for His presence. At the same time, excessive splendor, worldly fashion, and costly jewelry are warned against, as they distract attention from spiritual worship.
A special garment for the Sabbath
»Many need instruction on how they should appear in the assembly for Sabbath worship. They should not enter the presence of God in the ordinary clothing they wear during the week. All should have a special Sabbath suit that is worn when attending the worship service in the house of God. While we should not conform to worldly fashions, we must not be indifferent to our outward appearance. We should be neat and well-groomed, but without jewelry. God's children should be pure inwardly and outwardly. ... Ensure that all clothing is ready ... Let the boots be cleaned and the baths taken.«
Reverence through appropriate clothing
»There should be a radical change in this matter in all our congregations. ... Because of disrespect in posture, clothing, and appearance ... God has often turned His face away from those gathered for worship. All should be taught to be orderly, clean, and well-groomed in their clothing, but not indulge in external adornments that are completely inappropriate for the sanctuary. There should be no flaunting with clothing; for this promotes irreverence. ... Displaying bows and ribbons, frills and feathers, as well as gold and silver jewelry is a form of idolatry and wholly unsuitable for God's holy service.«
Avoidance of negligence and disorder
»There is a class that constantly complains about pride and clothing, yet handles their own clothing negligently and considers it a virtue to dress without order or taste... They attribute decency and neatness to pride. ... If there are worthy persons who ... wish to honor the Lord of the Sabbath and cannot obtain a change of clothes, then those who are able should donate such a Sabbath suit so they can appear in the house of God in clean, appropriate clothing. ... Some have the notion that they must neglect their clothing in order to achieve the separation from the world that God's word demands.«
Care in the clothing of preachers
»Care in clothing is an important point. Here it has been lacking among preachers who believe in the present truth. The clothing of some was even untidy. It was not only lacking in taste and order in arranging clothing appropriately ... but some clothing was even sloppy. Some preachers wear a light vest while their trousers are dark, or a dark vest with light trousers, without taste or proper arrangement ... when they stand before the people. These things preach to the people. The preacher gives them an example of order and shows them the appropriateness of cleanliness and taste in their clothing.«
Modesty instead of worldly adornment
»Superfluous folds, ruffles, and any kind of ornamentation should be avoided, as they contradict our confession of faith as followers of the gentle and humble Jesus. ... We warn our Christian sisters against the tendency to make their garments according to worldly styles and thus attract attention. The house of God is allegedly desecrated by the clothing of today’s Christian women. Fantastic clothing, the display of gold chains and conspicuous lace is a sure sign of a weak mind and a proud heart.«
Modesty and the inner disposition
»A modest, God-fearing woman will dress modestly. Fine taste and an educated spirit will be revealed in the choice of simple and appropriate clothing. ... God has commanded us to wear the richest garment on the soul. ... Instead of seeking golden jewelry for the outward appearance, a serious effort should be made to attain that wisdom which is more valuable than fine gold.«
Original Sources (English)
Stephan Krol
Founder of EGW Vision
Why I built EGW Vision
Hello, I am Stephan Krol. I started this Ellen White website to make the writings of Ellen G. White and the Adventist pioneers easier to access for everyone.
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