The Fashion of Faith: Alma 1:27

In the image-based culture by which we are constantly surrounded, it is easy to get caught up in what we are wearing and how we look. In current media and modern fashions, clothing is far from modest, and it is so simple to become frustrated when we are unable to fit in with the rest of the world and wear the same clothes as everyone else.

Satan, through use of social media, advertising, and other forms of communication like movies and tv shows, has done a very good job at convincing many of us that immodest clothing looks better and would be more fun to wear than the modest alternative. However, what he is saying is a lie!

In the Book of Mormon, it specifically says that the Nephites "did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely" (Alma 1:27). Comely is defined as "attractive," coming from a word in Old English which meant "lovely, glorious, or fine" and was used to describe many things, including fine clothing.

Oftentimes, we become blinded by false worldly ideals, but when we are obeying the Lord's standards of dress, we don't need Satan's styles to make us look good. President Thomas S. Monson said, "You can dress attractively without being immodest. Within the Lord's guidelines, there is room for you to be lively, vibrant, and beautiful both in your dress and in your actions."

I know that we will be blessed if we sacrifice fitting in, in favor of modesty. I know that you and I may feel anxieties about our appearances when we are unable to look like everyone else and when we think we'd be happier in a certain set of clothes. When it takes longer and requires more money and effort to find modest choices, remember that the Lord will bless you for it and that you look more beautiful than you think.

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