Gazingstocks?

Q: Are we not counseled not to make ourselves a gazingstock, to avoid extremes, and that if the world adopts a proper form of dress, we may adopt it too? Why then, all of this concern about separation from the world in dress?

A: This statement reads, “Christians should not take pains to make themselves a gazing-stock by dressing differently from the world. But if, when following out their convictions of duty in respect to dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world; but they should manifest a noble independence and moral courage to be right, if all the world differ from them. If the world introduce a modest, convenient, and healthful mode of dress, which is in accordance with the Bible, it will not change our relation to God or to the world to adopt such a style of dress. Christians should follow Christ and make their dress conform to God's word. They should shun extremes. They should humbly pursue a straightforward course, irrespective of applause or of censure, and should cling to the right because of its own merits.” 1T 458, 459.

            This counsel is fully consistent. Let us notice the qualifications. We are told that Christians should not take pains to make themselves gazing-stocks by dressing differently from the world; in other words, we should not try to make a spectacle of ourselves unnecessarily. However, the next sentence qualifies this. If dressing according to God’s principles requires us to differ from current dress trends, we should exercise noble independence and not bend from the right, even if all around us do.

            It is not wrong to wear clothing that has been introduced by the world, but there is an important condition: that it be “modest, convenient, and healthful” and “in accordance with the Bible.” As we continue to study God’s dress principles, we will see that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to rely on today’s shopping malls for clothing that is in accordance with God’s principles.

            Christians should shun extremes. The context of this statement clarifies what is meant. Our dress should “conform to God’s word” regardless of what others do, and we should “cling to the right because of its own merits.” Modes of dress in harmony with God’s principles are not “extremes.” Extremes would obviously be included in those forms of dress which do not conform to God’s directions.

Back to Articles Page