Just what are the fashions of the world? The clothing found in department stores and clothing stores may qualify as clothing suited for a godly person, or it may be a fashion of the world. Do we know the difference? We must, if we would walk pleasing to God.
We can pick out a worldly fashion by comparing it with the principles of godly modesty. If it does not meet the standard, then it is a worldly fashion. Worldly fashions would include anything designed to attract attention, to be immodest, or to stir up pride or sensuality. If we would ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us our motives for desiring any particular item, we would clearly see which clothing is not suitable for the Christian. No Christian should enter a clothing store without first pleading with God to keep them from falling prey to the enemy in desiring the fashions of the world!
One of the greatest reasons for this state of things is this pride of dress, in the styles and fashions of the world. You want the first, the best, and last of everything to be given to Jesus Christ, and forsake this foolish spirit of fashion. {21MR 225.3}
You cannot love Him while copying the fashions of the world or enjoying worldly society.--Lt 238, 1907. {2MCP 558.1}
No Christian can conform to the demoralizing fashions of the world without imperiling his soul's salvation. {RH, March 31, 1891 par. 7}
And as soon as any have a desire to imitate the fashions of the world, that they do not immediately subdue, just so soon God ceases to acknowledge them as His children. They are the children of the world and of darkness.
{1T 136.1}
Have we exerted our influence on the right side? Have we set the proper example, or have we been following the fashions of the world? Have we used our powers in God's service? -Ms 29, 1886, pp. 1-4. ("Gaining a Fitness for Heaven," Talk at Nimes, France, October 31, 1886.)
Having before us the picture of the world's demoralization upon the point of fashion, how dare professed Christians follow in the path of the worldling? Shall we appear to sanction these demoralizing fashions by adopting them? Many do adopt the fashions of the world, but it is because Christ is not formed within them, the hope of glory. {RH, March 31, 1891 par. 6}
Those who give much time and thought to dress, fail to bring themselves into connection with God by the study of the Scriptures, by meditation on His ways and work. Intemperance in dress is increasing. Now one fashion and then another takes the attention, and souls are drawn away by fashion from the things that pertain to their eternal interest. None can afford the outlay necessary for dressing in the height of style, for it involves robbery toward God, nor can any afford the loss of spirituality that is sure to follow. They will become bankrupt in the things of God. {RH, June 2, 1891 par. 10}
Many of our sisters willingly bear the unnecessary burden of conformity to worldly dress. Attempting to follow the fashions, their burdens are greatly increased, yet they willingly bear the yoke, because they worship the goddess of fashion. {RH, November 17, 1904 par. 7}
It is not only the privilege, but the duty of every one to increase daily in the knowledge of God and the truth. Satan's object is gained if he can invent something that will so attract the mind that God will be forgotten, and he uses fashion with great success to do this. He knows that women who constantly have a feverish desire to follow the fashions, have benumbed their moral sensibilities, and do not realize their real spiritual condition. Worldly minded, they are without God, without hope. They take no time to pray, or to search the Scriptures in order that they may understand the truth, and teach it to their children. {RH, November 17, 1904 par. 8}
Nobility of soul, gentleness, generosity, are bartered away to gratify the lust after evil things. Thousands sell their virtue that they may have means for following the fashions of the world. Such madness concerning the changing fashions of the world should call forth an army of reformers who would take their position for simple and plain attire. Satan is ever inventing fashions that cannot be followed except through the sacrifice of money, time, and health. {RH, March 31, 1891 par. 5}
And thousands upon thousands listen to his words, and worship him by becoming wholly engrossed in a search for wealth or in following the fashions of this degenerate age. Thus the world is being led captive. The beings whom God created in His own image are entirely neglecting to prepare for the Judgment. {ST, April 17, 1901 par. 9}
But when they show that they are following the customs and fashions and sentiments of the world, they are to be faithfully dealt with. If they feel no burden to change their course of action, they should not be retained as members of the church. {PH086 22.1}
God was working through his servants to bring the people up to the point to yield their pride, and with the spirit of humility manifest their separation from the fashions of the world, and you were working on the other hand to keep them united with the world. {PH097 8.1
Let them confess their negligence in regard to allowing their children to follow the fashions and to mingle in worldly society simply because they wanted to be like the world. It is impossible for us to be Christlike while we are worldly-minded.. {2SAT 199.1}
Were it not for fashion, those who thus immodestly expose themselves would be hissed at; but modesty and decency must be sacrificed to the god of fashion. May the Lord deliver His people from this grievous sin! God will not pity those who will be slaves to fashion. . . It is the duty of every child of God to inquire: "Wherein am I separate from the world?" Let us suffer a little inconvenience, and be on the safe side. What crosses do God's people bear? They mingle with the world, partake of their spirit, dress, talk, and act like them. {1T 277.1}
All matters of dress should be strictly guarded, following closely the Bible rule. Fashion has been the goddess who has ruled the outside world, and she often insinuates herself into the church. The church should make the Word of God her standard, and parents should think intelligently upon this subject. When they see their children inclined to follow worldly fashions, they should, like Abraham, resolutely command their households after them. Instead of uniting with the world, connect them with God. {CG 430.2}
Fashion Is a Tyrannical Ruler.-- Fashion rules the world; and she is a tyrannical mistress, often compelling her devotees to submit to the greatest inconvenience and discomfort. Fashion taxes without reason and collects without mercy. She has a fascinating power and stands ready to criticize and ridicule all who do not follow in her wake. {CG 432.1}
Satan, the instigator and prime mover in the ever-changing, never-satisfying decrees of fashion, is always busy devising something new that shall prove an injury to physical and moral health; and he triumphs that his devices succeed so well. Death laughs that the health-destroying folly and blind zeal of the worshipers at fashion's shrine bring them so easily under his dominion. Happiness and the favor of God are laid upon her altar. {CG 432.3}
To follow the ever-changing fashions of this world is the chief study of many today. It is high time for us all to give our hearts unreservedly to God, and serve Him intelligently, as obedient children. His Holy Spirit can mold and fashion us after the divine similitude. {UL 105.3}
Let none dishonor God's sanctuary by their showy apparel. {CG 427.4}
All matters of dress should be strictly guarded, following closely the Bible rule. Fashion has been the goddess who has ruled the outside world, and she often insinuates herself into the church. The church should make the Word of God her standard, and parents should think intelligently upon this subject. When they see their children inclined to follow worldly fashions, they should, like Abraham, resolutely command their households after them. Instead of uniting with the world, connect them with God. {CG 430.2}
Those who are attracted to Christ and who live for the future immortal life, will not be slaves of fashion. {HR, February 1, 1877 par. 12}
Many are going directly contrary to the light which God has given to His people, because they do not read the books which contain the light and knowledge in cautions, reproofs, and warnings. The cares of the world, the love of fashion, and the lack of religion, have turned the attention from the light God has so graciously given, while books and periodicals containing error are traveling all over the country. {RH, April 4, 1882 par. 12}
He has even led those who have placed their names on the church books to follow the fashion of the world, and seek to outdo their friends and neighbors in display. {RH, March 17, 1896 par. 6}
Those who have had great light, and yet continue to follow the fashions of the world in dress, are using the Lord's money to gratify their pride. The atmosphere surrounding their souls would not be as spiritual malaria to others who newly come into the faith. Such examples of show and of the love of dress, of following the fashions of this degenerate age, this leaven of pride and extravagance, is gathering to itself, until the whole lump will be leavened. {PH157 4.2}
In these last days, especially, should all seek to elevate their lives, for they are fitting for translation and must be without spot or wrinkle or any such thing--perfect before God, pure in heart and life, holy--and then will their light shine. You need not imitate the fashions of the world in order to have influence, but in order to have influence you must all take an exalted position that your influence may tell..--Letter 23, 1868, pp. 2,3. (To "Dear Friends in Burlington," April 27, 1868.) {9MR 280.2}
