Fashion Standard!

Today -- in our area -- is the first day of a new school year. In preparation for today I imagine many teens gave a considerable amount of consideration as to what they would wear. There is the desire to be fashionable. Perhaps there is the longing to impress one’s friends or those with whom friendship is wanted. Looking good is not bad in and of itself, though our motivation should be considered as well as whose fashion standard is being followed.

What did you most focus on with regard to ADORNMENT and clothing for the day? What was it you perhaps laid out in advance because you did not want to forget that item? How significant is it to your life and the standard that matters most?

Yesterday, reading through the first three chapters of Proverbs, I noted four passages beside which I wrote the word “ADORNMENT”. They are as follows:

#1 -- “(8) Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, (9) for they are A GRACEFUL GARLAND FOR YOUR HEAD AND PENDANTS FOR YOUR NECK.” ( Proverbs 1:8-9 ESV)

#2 -- “(3) Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; BIND THEM AROUND YOUR NECK; write them on the tablet of your heart. (4) So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.” ( Proverbs 3:3-4 ESV)

#3 -- “(13) Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, (14) for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. (15) She is MORE PRECIOUS THAN JEWELS, and NOTHING YOU DESIRE CAN COMPARE with her.” ( Proverbs 3:13-15 ESV)

#4 -- “(21) My son, do not lose sight of these -- keep sound wisdom and discretion, (22) and they will be life for your soul and ADORNMENT FOR YOUR NECK. (23) Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.” ( Proverbs 3:21-23 ESV)

In each of these passages there is a reference to something being put on and worn. The first passage mentions this as being the wise instruction of parents. Perhaps your parents remind you of some things to keep in mind as you head out for each day’s activities. Those words may not always be what you want to hear, but the day will come when you will more clearly recognize the wisdom behind them. Don’t leave those words behind, but instead carry them with you as ADORNMENT hanging in front of you (like a “graceful garland”) as you go about the day’s activities. The other things mentioned by Solomon are “steadfast love”, “faithfulness”, “wisdom”, “understanding”, “and “discretion.” These also are ESSENTIAL ADORNMENTS to not be left in our closets or drawers, but instead put on to be worn through each day. The blessings associated with these are “favor and good success” in the sight of both God and others as well as being beneficial for walking securely without stumbling. May we seek to make a fashion statement that glorifies God and truly brings personal benefit to life.

Have a great day REMEMBERING LIFE’S ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES!
Carl

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