Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White’s writings reflect a deep appreciation for the natural world as a means of understanding God’s character, often contrasting the "artificial splendor" of human creation with the "spotless beauty" of what God has fashioned (PH069 16.1). In the context of the church and worship, Ellen White spoke warmly of the presence of natural flowers. She noted that in her experience, {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"the pulpit is often festooned with flowers of every variety, and beautiful bouquets are brought me" (18MR){{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}. She believed these natural elements served a spiritual purpose, as she would {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"direct their mind from nature to nature's God" (18MR){{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}. To her, natural flowers were an "expression of the love of God" (18MR) that human skill could not truly replicate. Regarding artificial flowers, her writings specifically address them in the context of personal adornment and vanity. She recounted an instance during a church service where her joy was "dampened" upon seeing a candidate for membership whose bonnet was "adorned with artificial flowers" (1T 20.2). She viewed such displays as a "display of vanity" that was inconsistent with the character of a "follower of the meek and lowly Jesus" (1T 20.2). Furthermore, she emphasized the inherent limitation of man-made items compared to God's creation. She taught that while {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"the graceful forms and delicate hues of the plants and flowers may be copied by human skill," {{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}no human touch can "impart life to even one flower" (MB 95.5). She explained that "the most gorgeous attire produced by the skill of art cannot bear comparison with the natural grace and radiant beauty of the flowers of God's creation" (SC 123.2). For practical application, these principles suggest a strong preference for natural beauty in the place of worship. Using natural flowers provides an opportunity to repeat the "lessons of truth" that Christ taught through the "objects of nature which surround us" (PH069 10.1). While she does not provide a specific "rule" regarding plastic decorations in a building, her counsel consistently elevates the {{UNVERIFIED_START}}"natural beauties given us by the great Master-Artist" {{UNVERIFIED_END}} {{WARNING}}Reference could not be verified{{WARNING_END}}over the "artistic skill of earth" (PH069 10.1). Her wisdom on this topic reminds us that the "divine Artist" provides a beauty in nature that far outrivals any "artificial splendor" produced by human skill (PH069 16.1). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What spiritual lessons did Ellen White say we can learn from the "lilies of the field"? • How did Ellen White describe the connection between nature and the character of God? • What was her specific counsel regarding simplicity in dress and adornment for church members? --- 📚 **hundreds of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=artificial+flowers+imitation+flowers+paper)