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Outward and Inward Adorning

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 11, 1906

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 41.

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Outward and Inward Adorning

By Daniel H. Kress

D. H. KRESS, M. D.
“Be not conformed to this world,” says the Word. 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 spent much time and anxious labor in drawing a picture of Christ. He tried to make his face just as expressive as possible. Seated around him at the table were his disciples, having before them their golden cups. After he had finished his great work of art, he placed it upon exhibition, and stood by to hear the comments of spectators as they passed. 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 on the picture that will detract from that face.”
This should be the aim of every true Christian,—to wear nothing and do nothing that will attract the attention of the world away from Christ to self. The Christian 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. It is a noticeable fact that what churches lack in spirituality they try to supply by outward splendor. The most worldly churches frequently have the largest organs, the greatest choirs, and the most imposing structures in which to assemble for worship.
What is true of churches is true of individuals—the less of the inward adorning one possesses, the more of the outward adorning appears. Outward adorning is therefore always a confession of inward poverty, for the kingdom of God does not come with outward splendor. 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. If the young should spend the same time in looking into the mirror of God's Word, with a view to adorning themselves inwardly in harmony with his revealed will, that they spend at the mirrors in their rooms in the arrangement of their dress and hair, if they should study as diligently the garment of Christ's righteousness as they do the fashion-plates, not one would be lost.
If such complete provision has been made that we may obtain eternal life, certainly all are left without excuse if they fail to secure it. 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 of wearing of gold, the arrangement of the hair, the style of the hat, etc., are 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.”
This inward adornment is the adornment that is needed in our homes. It is the adornment that should impress the stranger as he attends the place of worship on the Sabbath. These principles, if translated into the life, also afford protection to the child of God. God says of the woman who possesses the inward adorning of a meek and quiet spirit, and gives evidence of it by her modest and simple apparel, “Touch not mine anointed.” Ps. 105:15. There is something about her that says, “Hands off.” She is secure anywhere: she has a hedge built about her that is invisible, yet felt by all who associate with her. Just to the extent that she lacks this inward adorning, she steps out from divine protection, and nothing from without can take its place, not even the gold ring. “Who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?”
Wahroonga, N. S. W.