When he entered the White House to initiate his office policies, George Bush made this comment: “There will be no more wearing ofjeans in the White House”. He implied that there would be a change in the dress code, with an immediate rejection of the casual approach that had been encouraged by the former president. But this attitude is not seen in society generally. Some go beyond being casual by deliberately attempting to make their garments rough and uncouth. One of the latest fads encourages an individual to rip and tear his clothing at the kneecaps or pockets so that it looks breezy and well worn. Of course, there is nothing wrong with dressing in a more relaxed style, provided it is appropriate for the circumstances: but to actually be destructive to clothing so that it can be identified as “fashionable” is grotesque.
The people of Israel were commanded to think carefully about the regulations governing their daily habits. They were instructed to reflect on the cultures and influences of the social conditions surrounding them, and to avoid imitating worldly attitudes. These cultures were characterized by an appallingly lackadaisical indifference to morals, relationships, dress, and conversation. We must be very careful to instill in our children at a young age the importance of respect, courtesy and good manners. This is the essential basis from which godliness can be developed in a practical way, so that we might influence others by our demeanor and attitude toward God and neighbor. The apostle John remarked that if we are unable to exercise good manners toward others, how could we ever be able to show respect to God?
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One