Separation from the World
By J. W. Lowe
GENUINE Christians will not conform to the fashions and customs of the world, that they may receive its recognition and favor; but with sincerity of heart and purpose in all these matters, they will conform to the mind and will of God, that they may be in harmony and favor with Him. In this age of extravagant fashions in the matter of dress, and outward adorning in general, Christians ought to be so distinct and separate from the world at large, that they would be known, whenever and wherever seen, by their simplicity in dress and manners. Extravagance in the matter of adorning one's person almost invariably proceeds from the wrong motive, in that its indulgence is usually for the purpose of calling attention to self. Christians will never make an effort to call attention to self, but will constantly be pointing others to Christ. The special adorning of every true Christian will be the inward adorning of the heart. True Christians will not spend their money in needlessly adorning their persons, or in extravagantly adorning their homes; but will use their surplus means in assisting the worthy poor, and sending the gospel to the world. The one object of a real, genuine Christian is to carry forward the work of God.