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Outward and Inward Adorning

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 4, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 54.

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Outward and Inward Adorning

By D. H. KRESS

D. H. KRESS, M. D.
“Be not conformed to this world;” another version reads, “Do not follow the customs and fashions of the age.” God’s people are in the world, but they are not of the world; they are a distinct and separate people. This distinction becomes more marked as they near the end of time, for then, if ever, shall ye “discern between the righteous and the wicked.” The child of God aims to make the virtues of Christ, the inward adornment of a meek and quiet spirit, his chief attraction.
A certain artist, it is said, spent much time and anxious labor in painting a picture of Christ. He tried to make the face just as expressive as possible. Seated around Christ at the table were his disciples, having before them golden cups. After the great work of art was finished, it was put on exhibition. The artist stood by to hear the comments of spectators as they passed by. Several women halted before the picture admiringly. One of them enthusiastically exclaimed, “See the beautiful golden cups!” The artist took his brush, and with a few strokes obliterated the cups, saying, “I will have nothing in the picture that will detract from that face.”
It should be the aim of every true Christian to wear nothing and do nothing that will attract the attention of the world from Christ to himself. He will not be content until everything about him that tends to do this is removed. It is the inward adorning that is to him of great value. Some of our modern churches have become exhibits for jewelry and dress. What churches lack in spirituality they try to supply in outward splendor. The most worldly churches have the largest organs, the greatest choirs, and the most imposing structures in which to assemble for worship. The less of the inward adorning one possesses, the more the outward appears.
Outward adorning is always a confession of inward poverty. Those who are in possession of that valuable treasure, a meek and quiet spirit, are not the ones who seek outward display. Their dress is neat, yet simple and modest. Young professors of religion should spend the time in looking into the mirror of God’s Word, with a view to adorning themselves inwardly in harmony with God’s revealed will, that they now spend at the mirrors in their rooms in the arrangement of their dress. If they would study as diligently the garment of Christ’s righteousness as they do the fashions, how different would be their experience.
We are living in the examination week of this world’s history; all are preparing for their final examination. Angels of God are passing from one to another with the measuring rod of God’s Word. The outward adornment—the wearing of gold, the arrangement of the hair, the style of the hat, etc.—is sufficient to witness before angels and men that the inward adorning, which alone is of value, is absent. Therefore the admonition is, “Be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Your adornment ought not to be a merely outward thing, as the plaiting of the hair, the putting on of jewelry, or the wearing of beautiful dresses. Instead of these it should be a new nature within—the imperishable ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is indeed precious in the sight of God. For in ancient times also this was the way the holy women who set their hopes upon the Lord used to adorn themselves. This is the adornment that is needed in our homes, and is the adornment that should impress the stranger as he attends the place of worship on the Sabbath.