Etiquette? What is it really?

A woman is well-groomed when she looks fresh, neat, clean, and well-pressed. This means a daily, and often twice daily, shower or bath, fresh underwear and stockings daily or twice daily, competent home or professional hairdressing at least once a week, well-manicured hands,... wrinkleless stockings, and shined shoes at all times, even for housework.

This advice was taken from Amy Vanderbilt's New Complete Book of Etiquette, published in 1967, and given to me as a college graduation gift from my aunt.

It goes on to say that a well-groomed woman is carefully girdled, if necessary, from the time she gets up until she undresses for the night.

Heaven forbid! I have kept this book for several reasons. 1) A reminder that the only thing we can be sure of is change.  2) A history of what was considered social etiquette when I was younger.  3) ...it makes me smile.

Inventions, including social and other media; wars, political upheavals, legislation, economics, etc. all have repercussions--even in the field of etiquette.

If you google etiquette, you'll find Emily Post and information for today's world on social skills. It includes how to interact to build trust and positive communication using conversation skills, smartphone rules, best email practices and social media guidelines to "take your business relationship to the next level."

I'm sure there is also information of what to wear, how to eat, etc., but it is not first and foremost in the etiquette list. It is a changing world.

Is it possible to simply all this? --for today? --and going forward? --in the work world? --with our families and communities?

Let's remember the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  Let's also remember that we are God's children and His holy possessions. If we treat ourselves as His holy vessels, we will be on the right path.

But just as he who called you is holy,

so be holy in all you do:

 for it is written:

Be holy, because I am holy.

1 Peter 1:15,16