Called to Be Separate

Q: How can we uphold God’s dress principles in physical work and recreation activities?

A: If we believe that God’s principles of modesty are inspired directions for our lives, then we will acknowledge that they are applicable whether we are at work, in recreation, at church, or in town. We will realize that it is dangerous to look for “exceptions to the rule,” and that such exceptions will lead to compromise.

            God, in His mercy, has not prescribed one particular style of dress for us. In various countries and climates, there are different styles of dress that can be equally appropriate and modest.

“In order to secure the most healthful clothing, the needs of every part of the body must be carefully studied. The character of the climate, the surroundings, the condition of health, the age and the occupation must all be considered.” CH 93. 

            “The dress of our people should be made most simple. The skirt and sacque I have mentioned may be used-- not that just that pattern and nothing else should be established, but a simple style as was represented in that dress. Some have supposed that the very pattern given was the pattern that all were to adopt. This is not so. But something as simple as this would be the best we could adopt under the circumstances. No one precise style has been given me as the exact rule to guide all in their dress. . . .”  3SM 254.

Ladies in the Middle East may wear robes, and Western ladies might wear dresses. Yet any style of dress worn should meet God’s description of modesty.

Ladies who decide to begin wearing only dresses may be surprised at the number of things that can be done in a dress. Perhaps you have thought, “I could wear a dress most of the time, but for [whatever activity] I would simply have to wear pants.” Dear sister, if God is leading you to begin to wear dresses, ask Him for help and wisdom. He has not given us dress principles which are impossible to carry out.

Somewhat shorter dresses, with modest, loose pants underneath can be worn for working purposes. See 1T 464. Another option is a split skirt, made full and flowing enough to look like a regular skirt, but divided into two sections.

            Every step of surrender to Jesus requires sacrifice, yet we will find that heaven is cheap enough. One day our sacrifices will be seen to be very small. In following God’s plan of dress, there will be sacrifices to make. We will need to sacrifice some of our convenience for modesty. Some activities will not be so easy to accomplish in modest dress. Some activities, such as swimming, may need to be laid aside completely except for occasions when we can enjoy them where there is no possibility of being seen by members of the opposite gender. 

It may be urged that “just once” will not hurt, but let us firmly reject this reasoning. “When once the barriers of female modesty are removed, the basest licentiousness does not appear exceeding sinful.”  ST, December 30, 1880. Think about it. If a certain style of dress is appropriate, then let us wear it all the time. But if it is not appropriate, then even “just once” is too much.

The true test of our commitment to God’s principles is when they cut across our convenience, when they require us to give up an activity that we would love to participate in. We must surrender our desire for compromise. We must present an unbending example.

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