Written by: John Sernaque
Call to Worship
1 Peter 3: 3-4
3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward [adorning] of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
3:4 But [let it be] the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, [even the ornament] of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
The Buds and Blossoms of Pride—
There are idols cherished in our families and in our churches today which have the same influence upon us as did the golden calf upon the Israelites. Will the people search themselves? Will the shepherds do their work as faithful sentinels of God? Will they see what idols they are cherishing? Will every one that is in moderate circumstances consider that they are to be a people distinct and separate in their fashions of dress, their speech, their deportment, from the world? Will they see their idolatry in small as well as in large matters, and that it is separating them from God? When reproofs come they are ashamed, but not repentant. They have had great light, great opportunities, line upon line, and precept upon precept, but pride buds and blossoms in their apparel, revealing the thoughts and intents of the heart (Manuscript 52, 1898). {7BC 941.10}
This message is for men, as well as women, and applies to all today as it did in times past. However you choose to adorn yourself, it is not pleasing in the sight of God. The wearing of jewelry, makeup, “fashionable apparel”, and all sorts of adornments are spoken of in the Bible, and are as the golden calf to the Israelites, an abomination unto God. God looks not on the outward appearance, as the world does; rather He looks at the heart. It is a meek, gentle, and quiet spirit that we are to wear as our adornment, on which God places the highest value. After all, we are not here to please the world; but God who deserves all the praise and glory.
Our Father, which art in heaven,
We thank You for giving us the privilege of allowing us to come into You presence in prayer. We pray that You help us take off our filthy rags, these adornments that the world loves so much, and put on Your robe of righteousness. We pray that You help us be separate from the world in the way we dress, speak, and our actions. Create in us a clean heart, Oh God, and renew a right spirit within us. Let this mind be in us, which is also in Christ Jesus. We are sorry we have sinned against You, and pray for Your forgiveness. You have told us Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone. May all the praise and glory be to You, in the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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