Because we believe that the area of our dress and appearance has such serious spiritual and moral implications in the church and in the world at large, and because we have found it to be one of the least-taught and practiced and most-misunderstood and despised standards of our church today, we have chosen to share with you a second study guide on the subject.

This study guide follows a different format than the rest. The first section consists of 25 common objections to the dress reform, and their answers. Some of them are general objections, and some of them (#17-23) are related to specific Spirit of Prophecy quotes on the subject which people have misunderstood or misapplied. The second section has several thought questions for you to answer after you have read through the objections and their answers. We pray that you will be blessed as you study.

We believe in following the principles of dress given in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, even if such a way of dress does cause us some discomfort or perspiration at times. For hundreds of years, people have worn much more clothing in the summertime than is worn today even by some of the most conservative dressers, and if they were able to be fully clothed, why should not we? Certainly, the modern styles of skimpy clothing did not come about because of any change in the climate. We do not believe in the idea, “If it feels good, do it,” in dress, or in any other area of our lives.

You will find that many jobs that people say require pants, can very easily be done in a dress. I found this out when I worked as a nurse aid in a nursing home. Friends told me that it would be just about impossible to do this job in a dress, but I studied and prayed about it very earnestly, and decided to obey the counsel, and I found it to be no problem at all. Indeed, modest dress will help you to maintain proper reserve and Christian demeanor. If you cannot wear clothing that is in harmony with the dress reform in your job, then I believe this is a good indication that your job is not appropriate for a Christian lady.

If you’re really committed to do what’s right, you’ll put every effort toward it. There are lots of ways to work around the obstacle of expense. For some starters, try selling your old clothes in a yard sale and use the money to buy fabric to make one or two modest dresses. Or deny yourself some of the foods or other purchases you would usually make, and use that money. Maybe you can find a nice long, loose jumper at a second-hand store for a good price. After all, you don’t need a complete new wardrobe to start out. Two or three outfits will be plenty. Do not believe Satan’s lie that you are doing God’s work by sending all your money to missions, while you continue wearing your wrong clothing. You spent money to buy your old clothes, and you may have to spend a reasonable amount of money to make some new ones. But obedience is always necessary, and God will make a way so that it is always possible.

“Some have said: "After I wear out this dress, I will make the next plainer." Now, if conformity to the fashions of the world is right and pleasing to God, where is the need of making a change at all? But if it is wrong, is it best to continue in the wrong any longer than is positively necessary to make the change?” 4T 640

It is true that if you dress modestly and plainly, you will stand out in the crowd and attract some attention, for right-doing always stands out in the midst of wickedness. It would not be right to try to blend in with the crowd simply to avoid being stared at. If people comment, we may turn their attention to Christ, who is the reason for our manner of dressing. You can be encouraged knowing that you are doing God’s will and upholding His standards. It grieves my heart so to see sisters who call themselves “dress reformers”, compromising the principles of true dress reform by trying to avoid looking so different (with faded denim a-line skirts, stretchy bottom-hugging long skirts, jean jackets, fitted shape-revealing knit t-shirts, and the list could go on). God calls us to look different from the world around us.

The Bible says, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.” Luke 16:10. If we do not watch out for the “little” areas of compromise, and be sure to be faithful in the “little” areas of obedience, we will sooner or later find ourselves being fitted into the world’s mold and having lost our position as God‘s peculiar people. It is true that dress reform should not be the main focus of our religion, but on the other hand, it cannot be neglected, or this neglect will lead to unfaithfulness in all other areas, large and small.

In addition, as we studied earlier, the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are clear that those who are yielding step by step to worldly customs and fashions, making compromise with the world, are preparing to receive the mark of the beast and will not stand faithful in the great test before us (PK 188, 5T 216). So in actuality, the issue of dress is not a minor or side issue at all.

It does take many people a long time to change, but this is often because pride, self, or fear of what others will say holds them back. Thus it is not God’s will or “okay” for it to take so long to change. The Bible says, “Today, if you will hear His voice, harden not your hearts.” “Now is the excepted time.” True, God does bear long with us and still draw us even when we procrastinate to obey (disobey), but it grieves Him and it is sin, and thus not excusable.

While we certainly agree that not everyone is at the same level in their experience, yet if a certain point of truth is clearly revealed to you, and you do not obey it, God holds you accountable for that.

Every evangelist presenting the Sabbath ends with an appeal to those listening to obey God’s call and start keeping the Sabbath. I have never heard one end by saying, “Now I realize this is something new to you and it takes time to change. I realize also that you’re all at different places in your experience. So God understands if you keep going to church on Sunday and breaking Sabbath for a few more months and years.” So why when dress reform or some other standard is presented do people rise up and say, “Oh, you shouldn’t press this (Bible) teaching on the people. They’re not all at the same point you are, and it takes time to change.”? Of course, all teaching must be done with Christian tact, kindness, and love; and not all reforms should be heaped on a person at once, but Bible reforms need to be presented and upheld just the same.

I do not believe that it is wrong to buy any factory-made clothing. There are rare times when it is possible to find a dress or jumper at a second-hand or other store which does adhere to the principles of dress reform, being modest, healthful, plain, durable, and economical. But for the most part, I would encourage you to make your own clothing. If you do not know how to sew, it is a very important skill which will be of great benefit for you to learn. The reasons I encourage you to make your own clothes are many, but the primary one is this: I have seen so many sisters purchase clothing which truly does not harmonize with dress reform principles, and yet feel that it is a great find because it is so much better that most of what is available out there, or is so close to alright with only a little thing wrong in it. This is very easily done, and when the only comparison we have is clothing which is wholly unacceptable, it is not hard to see how bit by bit, the standard is brought lower and lower, and the spirit of compromise and worldliness takes possession of the church. How much better it would be for our sisters to make their own clothes so that they can adjust or make patterns to be in full harmony with the dress reform, and so their clothing may glorify God.

This is the ideal situation, but it very rarely happens in real life. The world’s influences are very strong. God has given the responsibility to His church to give specific guidelines to its members, that will help them maintain their commitment to God and their separation from the world. These guidelines will also help to maintain the church’s purity. The reason general suggestions are not sufficient in this matter, is that the world will then invariably fill in the details with its fashions. Meanwhile, we must continue to strive for that ideal, and seek to deal with the heart issues and lead others to true heart conversion. Consider this balance as presented in the following two quotes:

1) Specific counsel to one who was trying to change others outward appearance without dealing with the heart. Encouragement to deal with the heart issues first, and if the battle could be won there, the outward changes would come as a result.

“There are many who try to correct the life of others by attacking what they consider are wrong habits. They go to those whom they think are in error, and point out their defects. They say, "You don't dress as you should." They try to pick off the ornaments, or whatever seems offensive, but they do not seek to fasten the mind to the truth. Those who seek to correct others should present the attractions of Jesus. They should talk of His love and compassion, present His example and sacrifice, reveal His Spirit, and they need not touch the subject of dress at all. There is no need to make the dress question the main point of your religion. There is something richer to speak of. Talk of Christ, and when the heart is converted, everything that is out of harmony with the Word of God will drop off. It is only labor in vain to pick leaves off a living tree. The leaves will reappear. The ax must be laid at the root of the tree, and then the leaves will fall off, never to return.” EV 272

Is this quote inferring that we should never talk or teach about the dress reform? Most certainly not, or it would be contradicting many other quotes on the subject, such as the following. It was written for a specific situation, and helps us to have a proper understanding of how, in what spirit, and with what focus we should present the dress reform.

2) Warning against the seriousness of allowing worldly dress to invade the church, and appeal to take action at once against it.

“ Fashion is deteriorating the intellect and eating out the spirituality of our people. Obedience to fashion is pervading our Seventh-day Adventist churches and is doing more than any other power to separate our people from God. I have been shown that our church rules are very deficient. All exhibitions of pride in dress, which is forbidden in the word of God, should be sufficient reason for church discipline. If there is a continuance, in face of warnings and appeals and entreaties, to still follow the perverse will, it may be regarded as proof that the heart is in no way assimilated to Christ. Self, and only self, is the object of adoration, and one such professed Christian will lead many away from God. There is a terrible sin upon us as a people, that we have permitted our church members to dress in a manner inconsistent with their faith. We must arise at once and close the door against the allurements of fashion. Unless we do this, our churches will become demoralized.” 4T 647, 648

What shame is there in looking old-fashioned if we look the way that is pleasing to God?

“Many will immediately exclaim, "Why such a style of dress would be old-fashioned!" What if it is? I wish we could be old-fashioned in many respects. If we could have the old-fashioned strength that characterized the old-fashioned women of past generations it would be very desirable.” 2SM 478, 479

First, let’s look at the definitions of these two words. Legalism is trying to merit salvation by the keeping of the law. Fanaticism is coming up with some man-made theory, making that the main point of your religion, and trying to get everyone else to think like you do about it. If you study out these words in the Spirit of Prophecy, you will clearly see that she defines them thus.

So let us ask, is following dress rules legalism? No, because we fully realize that we cannot in any way merit our salvation. Christ is our only hope and the only way by which we may be saved. But if we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15, 1 John 5:3); and if we do not keep His commandments, we give evidence that we do not really love Him and that we would not be safe to save eternally. Thus, our following the principles of dress reform is one way we show our love for God.

Is following dress rules fanaticism? No, because dress reform is no man-made theory. It was given us by God, and to call obedience to God’s requirements fanaticism would be blasphemy. We do not aim to make dress reform the main point of our religion, yet on the other hand, because it has been so neglected and so toned down, we need to speak of it and uphold it far more than most of us do.

If your heart is right, it will not produce wrong behavior. The person whose heart is right with the Lord will not choose to wear clothing which the Lord condemns. The condition of a tree is judged by its outward appearance, not by cutting it down and examining the center “heart”. Likewise, whether or not you and I are true Christians will be discerned by our outward appearance. We are told that we will be judged by our works, whether they be good or evil. Knowingly disobeying any of God’s requirements is rebellion against God, and the person who does this does not truly love God or have a sincere heart. Yes, God does care about what you and I wear, very much.

“In the life of the true Christian the outward adorning is always in harmony with the inward peace and holiness…. Evidence that the taste is converted will be seen in the dress of all who walk in the path cast up for the ransomed of the Lord.” AA 523

“Many dress like the world in order to have an influence over unbelievers, but here they make a sad mistake. If they would have a true and saving influence, let them live out their profession, show their faith by their righteous works, and make the distinction plain between the Christian and the worldling. The words, the dress, the actions, should tell for God. Then a holy influence will be shed upon all around them, and even unbelievers will take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus. If any wish to have their influence tell in favor of truth, let them live out their profession and thus imitate the humble Pattern.” 4T 633, 634

“Should we dress in plain, modest apparel, without reference to the fashions;… it would show the sanctifying power of the truth and would have a telling influence upon unbelievers. But while we conform to the world in these matters,… the preaching of the truth will have but little or no effect. Who will believe the solemn truth for this time when those who already profess to believe it contradict their faith by their works?” 5T 206

I have been asked about my faith so many times because someone noticed the way I was dressed, and many others who follow the dress reform have had the same experience. Indeed, it is when we live hypocritically, making a profession of godliness, but dressing like a worldling, that we do not have any saving influence with the world. It is the love of Christ and the joy of serving Him shining out of your countenance that will draw others to you and make them feel that you are approachable.

True, there are some who are wolves in sheep’s clothing. But it does not seem any more consistent or right to be sheep in wolves’ clothing. We would rather be sheep in sheep’s clothing. We cannot let the inconsistency or lack of conversion of some to be an excuse for us to do what is not right.

Christ dressed like every other Jew, but not like a Roman or a Samaritan. Remember that the Jews were required to wear a ribbon of blue around the border of their garments to show their obedience to God, and to distinguish them from other nations (Num.15:38, 39).

Along this same line, some also object that in Jesus’ day, both men and women wore robes, so what is wrong with women’s pants today? History records that in those garments where there was some similarity between the man’s and the woman’s, there was always enough difference in embossing, embroidery, and color so that the line of demarcation between the two sexes was readily detected. It is not so today with pants, unless the woman’s pants are so tight that they are clearly provocative and immodest. But there is generally little or no difference in color or otherwise. Yet even if there were a very great difference in appearance between men’s and women’s pants, we would still have no need to consider advocating and wearing women’s pants since God has pronounced them to be an abomination and immodest apparel.

The Spirit of Prophecy is clear that the stumbling blocks are the unsanctified lives of lukewarm professors, not those who are living in harmony with God’s principles and standards. These are rather a witness and a help to those who would follow the truth.

A godly wife may dress attractively so that her husband need never be ashamed of her, without wearing clothes which are immodest and conformed to the fashions of the world; and a godly husband will appreciate having his wife neatly and modestly clothed when she goes out in public. The husband who wishes to have his wife dressed seductively in front of others is not being her spiritual head, protecting her from danger, and guarding her purity. He is putting his own pride and desire to show off before her spiritual and physical well-being, and that of those who behold her.

“I have been shown that the principles that were given us in the early days of the message are as important and should be regarded just as conscientiously today as they were then.” CH 132

This excuse is a most terrible deception, and one that Satan tries very hard to get God’s professed people to believe. If this were true, it would make the Spirit of Prophecy virtually of none effect, because it would enable us to consult our own thinking as to how we would like any and all of her writings to apply to us. It would enable us to reason away whatever we do not like. If there are things in her writings which applied to her time specifically, or were conditional upon the response of the people, that will be made clear as we read the context of the quote. Let us beware of trying to make God’s counsels so “culturally relevant” that we destroy their direct application and their authority.

“I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth [it], that [men] should fear before him. That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.” Ecclesiastes 3:14, 15

“Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good, durable material, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind.” CG 414

In our age, most anything goes. Long dresses are worn in our country by the Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites, Brethren, and some Muslims and Holiness Churches. In other lands, Indians wear saris, Japanese wear kimonos, and Arabs wear long robes. National distinctions and religious convictions should be and are honored in this country. Many of the groups who dress the most distinctly (such as the Amish) are highly respected for their modesty and plainness.

God designed the same for Seventh-day Adventist women in the mid-1800’s when He gave in vision “a precise style of dress” for all to wear, which would distinguish them from people of other faiths. If this “reform dress” had been accepted and followed, people today would be able to identify the remnant by their dress from afar off. They would be heard saying admirably and respectfully, “She is a Seventh-day Adventist”, “Here come the Seventh-day Adventists”. But today you cannot tell Seventh-day Adventist sisters from afar off or close distance. What a sad commentary on God’s people. And so we have given this honor to the Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites, etcetera.

Let us not deceive ourselves in saying that a modest dress is not appropriate for this age.

“Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good, durable material, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind.” 3SM 254

Let us remember that this quotation was written at a time when many or most of the Adventist sisters wore fairly plain, long, long-sleeved, high-necked dresses, as evidenced by the phrase, “as many do”, and by an earlier portion in the same article where she wrote, “There is no need now for any special alteration in our dress. The plain simple style of dress now worn, made in the most healthful way, demands no hoops, and no long trails and is presentable anywhere.” These women were thoroughly covered. Ellen White had no burden in view of this to make a big issue over dress. It is a completely different scenario today, when professedly Christian women are wearing sleeveless shirts, plunging necklines, formfitting attire, short skirts, pants, shorts, high-heeled shoes, and a whole host of other provocative and indecent apparel. In a situation such as this, our people need to be thoroughly instructed in the principles of dress reform. This does not mean that it should fill the mind as the all-absorbing interest. By no means! But it must receive proper attention none the less.

“There is no need to make the dress question the main point of your religion.” EV 272. On the same paragraph, the point she was making is clarified:

“There are many who try to correct the life of others by attacking what they consider are wrong habits. They go to those whom they think are in error, and point out their defects. They say, "You don't dress as you should." They try to pick off the ornaments, or whatever seems offensive, but they do not seek to fasten the mind to the truth.” EV 272

This kind of criticizing and looking for faults in others should not be confused with studying the principles of dress reform and upholding them in the church. As stated in objection #4: It is true that dress reform should not be the main focus of our religion, but on the other hand, it cannot be neglected, or this neglect will lead to unfaithfulness in all other areas, large and small. Ellen White wrote: “The subject of dress demands serious reflection and much prayer.” 4T 641

“Christians should not take pains to make themselves gazing-stocks by dressing differently from the world… (Let us continue with the next line.) …But if, in accordance with their faith and duty in respect to their 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 differs from them.” MYP 350

I found it interesting to look up the definition of gazing stock in Noah Webster’s 1828 Dictionary: “GAZINGSTOCK, n. A person gazed at with scorn or abhorrence; an object of curiosity or contempt.” This is clearly not talking about someone dressed in neat, clean, modest apparel, but rather someone who is untidy, disorderly, unkempt, or dressed in outrageous, ridiculous, or laughable looking clothing.

Here are some examples of the “gazing stock clothing” that Ellen White condemned: “There is a class who are continually harping upon pride and dress, who are careless of their own apparel, and who think it a virtue to be dirty, and dress without order and taste; and their clothing often looks as if it flew and lit upon their persons. Their garments are filthy, and yet such ones will ever be talking against pride. They class decency and neatness with pride…. They sometimes consider oddity and coarseness humility.”

CG 415

“In some of our churches I have seen all kinds of reform dresses, and yet not one answering the description presented before me. Some appear with white muslin pants, white sleeves, dark delaine dress, and a sleeveless sack of the same description as the dress. Some have a calico dress with pants cut after their own fashioning, not after "the pattern," without starch or stiffening to give them form, and clinging close to the limbs. There is certainly nothing in these dresses manifesting taste or order. Such a dress would not recommend itself to the good judgment of sensible-minded persons. In every sense of the word it is a deformed dress.” 1T 521, 522

“We as a people do not believe it our duty to go out of the world to be out of the fashion. If we have a neat, plain, modest, and comfortable plan of dress, and worldlings choose to dress as we do, shall we change this mode of dress in order to be different from the world? No, we should not be odd or singular in our dress for the sake of differing from the world, lest they despise us for so doing.” 1T 424, 425

Let’s notice a few points from this quote: 1) we are not to be different just for the sake of being different. It is right to be different for the sake of glorifying God and obeying His principles. 2) we are to decide on our style of dress first; then, if the world decides to copy it someday [which they most likely never would], we do not need to change it just to be different.

“I must… pursue an even and independent course and not be driven to extremes in regard to dress. There is a medium position in these things. Oh, that we all might wisely find that position and keep it.” 1T 425

Does finding the medium position mean that I may disobey God? No, the medium position is found in explicit obedience, not erring to the right or to the left! Now let us find out what the extreme position which Sister White was referring to was. “ We do not think it in accordance with our faith to dress in the American costume, to wear hoops, or to go to an extreme in wearing long dresses which sweep the sidewalks and streets.’ 1T 424. Then what was the medium position? “And if women would wear their dresses so as to clear the filth of the streets an inch or two, their dresses would be modest, and they could be kept clean much more easily, and would wear longer. Such a dress would be in accordance with our faith.” 1T 424

“In reforms we would better come one step short of the mark than to go one step beyond it. And if there is error at all, let it be on the side next to the people.” 3T 21

This quote, and several others like it, are actually counsel about presenting the health message to unbelievers and new believers. When the entire section from which the quote is taken is read, it becomes crystal clear that the counsel is 1) not to rush people too fast, 2) not to present our strongest positions first, and 3) not to advocate positions which you are not willing to practice.

But even if we apply these principles to the dress reform, it is still good counsel. We are to give the people the WHOLE truth, never watered down or mixed with a little error, but we must give it to them under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a step at a time, and having our own practices in harmony with what we teach.

In another place, Sister White clarifies that there is no need to err at all, but to stick right to the truth. “If you err, let it not be in getting as far from the people as possible, for then you cut the thread of your influence and can do them no good. Better err on the side of the people than altogether away from them, for there is hope in that case that you can carry the people with you, but there is no need of error on either side. You need not go into the water, or into the fire, but take the middle path, avoiding all extremes.” CD 211

Here she also shows us what the extremes were that the people were falling into in the area of diet reform. “Brother and Sister ----- carried the matter of indulgence in eating to extreme, and the institute became demoralized. Now the enemy would push you into the opposite extreme if he could, to have a poverty-stricken diet.” CD 211

The quotation which is cited to prove this objection is found in 3SM 252 - 254. Here are some of the lines referred to: “We have now the most solemn, important tests given to us from the Word of God for this special period of time. This test is for the whole world. The Lord does not require that any tests of human inventions shall be brought in to divert the minds of the people or create controversy in any line.” “This (plainness of dress) should be our burden. But it is too late now to become enthusiastic in making a test of this matter…. Our sisters may be assured that the Lord has not inspired them to make a test of that which was once given as a blessing, but which by many was hated and despised as a curse (the reform dress of the 1860‘s).” “The people of God will have all the test that they can bear. The Sabbath question is a test that will come to the whole world. We need nothing to come in now to make a test for God's people that shall make more severe for them the test they already have.”

I would encourage you to read the whole section in 3SM. It is always important to read the context before we form a conclusion. You will see that this was a specific testimony to a few sisters who had written to Ellen White, proposing to return to the reform dress made from a specific pattern that had been advocated in the 1860’s. The test that was not to be made was that of all the sisters returning to this specific pattern of dress. Ellen White was in no way negating her other clear statements about the importance of dress reform and the necessity of adherence to it. Also, the styles of dress worn by Adventist sisters at that time were modest, healthful, and simple, so there was no need to agitate the subject of the reform dress again. Sister White made it very clear that the subject of dress reform was still very important. Consider the following lines in regards to these points:

“There is no need now for any special alteration in our dress. The plain simple style of dress now worn, made in the most healthful way, demands no hoops, and no long trails and is presentable anywhere, and these things should not come in to divert our minds from the grand test which is to decide the eternal destiny of a world--the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We are nearing the close of this world's history. A plain, direct testimony is now needed, as given in the Word of God, in regard to the plainness of dress. This should be our burden.” “Our sisters may be assured that the Lord has not inspired them to make a test of that which was once given as a blessing, but which by many was hated and despised as a curse…. The burden of advocating the reform dress was removed because that which was given as a blessing was turned into a curse. (the issue is clearly over making a test of that specific 1860’s reform dress, not over the clear principles of dress reform)” “But a more sensible style of dress has now been adopted which does not embrace these objectionable features (hoops, trailing skirts).” “The dress of our people should be made most simple…. Simple dresses should be worn. Try your talent, my sisters, in this essential reform.” “Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good material, durable, modest, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind.”

It’s hard to keep your focus on Jesus when you’re filled with vain or lustful thoughts. Let’s be honest, the styles of today are very distracting. We must be sure we do not participate in or add to the distraction. If we’re really keeping our eyes on Jesus, we will live in harmony with His teachings; we will do the things that please Him (which includes proper dress).

“Your feelings, your impressions, your emotions, are not to be trusted, for they are not reliable….” 5T 513. “Impressions alone are not a safe guide to duty. The enemy often persuades men to believe that it is God who is guiding them, when in reality they are following only human impulse.” AA 279

Impressions from God will never contradict His Word. Impressions from the Holy Spirit will never tell you it’s alright to disobey, or give you peace in disobedience. If you learn what God’s will is for His children from the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy, you do not need to wait to feel like obeying, or wait for an impression to obey; you need to obey. May the following quote be an encouragement to you, not to be a halting, hesitant, doubting one, but to go forward in obedience, in the strength of the Lord:

“Often the Christian life is beset with dangers, and duty seems hard to perform. The imagination pictures impending ruin before, and bondage and death behind. Yet the voice of God speaks clearly, Go forward. Let us obey the command, even though our sight cannot penetrate the darkness. The obstacles that hinder our progress will never disappear before a halting, doubting spirit. Those who defer obedience till every uncertainty disappears, and there remains no risk of failure or defeat, will never obey. Faith looks beyond the difficulties, and lays hold of the unseen, even Omnipotence, therefore it cannot be baffled.” GW 262

1) Which objections did you struggle with most in your experience, and how would you answer them now?

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Without looking back in the lesson, give brief answers in your own words to the following objections:

2) There are so many more important issues to deal with than dress. You are majoring in the minors.

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3) It takes time for people to change. Everyone’s different, and you can’t expect them to all think like you and be at the same level in their experience as you.

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4) If a person is truly converted, the dress question will take care of itself. We don’t need a bunch of rules.

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5) Following all these rules about dress is legalism and fanaticism.

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6) God isn’t so concerned about what I wear. He sees my heart, He knows I love Him, and that’s really all that matters to Him.

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7) The dress reform is a hindrance to our witness, as people think we’re “holier-than-thou” and unapproachable. We need to dress more like the world in order to have any influence with them.

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8) The Spirit of Prophecy counsels on dress were just for Ellen White’s day. In our day, we just have to take the basic principles of modesty, health, etc. and apply them the way we think they should be applied in the framework of our culture.

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9) I just don’t feel personally convicted about the dress reform. I’m sure that if God ever wants me to follow it, He’ll impress me of it.

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10) Why do you think that we as human beings often make so many excuses for disobedience? ____________________________________________________________

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Knowing that excuses will be of no value on the judgment day, are you willing to lay all of your excuses aside, and go forward in humble obedience to all that God asks of you?

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Next Study:

16) Association With Others