Church Attire
I have a question and a concern. Hope it’s not too controversial. It has taken me a long time to summon the courage to broach this subject. Here’s the question: What do you wear to church worship services? What is your rationale? Or do you even think about it?
Apparently most society does not agree with me. So I feel like a lone wolf (or prophet?) crying in the wilderness. It’s just my opinion, but such a strong one that I feel compelled to vent. So here goes.
I wish people would dress up for church, especially Sunday Morning Worship Service. That’s partially because of the way I was raised. But I think it’s more than that. To me it’s a mind set. An attitude. I can worship God anywhere, anytime, and in any attire. But when I gather with others for corporate worship of the Lord Most High, the King of the Universe, I dress to reflect my honor of the One who lifted us from the dungeon of sin and seated us at His banquet table in His palace. What if you were visiting the Queen of England? Would you care about your attire?
I understand that “God looks on the heart.” But the first part of the statement is true, too. “Man looks on the outward appearance” (I Samuel 16:7). He has no other choice. He can’t see inside a person’s heart. But what he sees outwardly is a strong clue as to what’s inside.
Rebellion says, “I dress up for my job. I’m not going to do it on Sunday, too.” Complacency says, “Why do clothes matter? I just want to be comfortable.” False humility says, “I’m not worth much, so dressing up will be a fake pretense.” An attempt at caring for others says,”I’ll wear jeans in the pulpit to make guests feel welcome if they come in jeans.”
What if these are simply excuses for selfishness? By dressing up (and I don’t mean the latest fancy, classy fashions) I’m afraid of standing out. The last thing I want to do is call attention to myself. But I will stick to my principle. And dressing up doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, if that’s what people are afraid of. Some of my dresses and long skirts are the most comfortable things I have. And anyway, doesn’t belonging to Christ call for sacrificing my comfort at times?
I hope this helps you understand a different perspective than you may have. Thanks for listening. Have you thought about these things? Just wondering.
Thank you, Donna. If I dress casually, I “think” casually. As I come to worship the King of kings, I don’t want to be casual before Him. We have always been intrigued with “royalty” and while most have never met a real live king or queen, those who have been before them are very conscious of their attire. ‘Nuff said.
In John 21 some of the disciples were fishing. When Peter realized that Jesus was on the shore, he put on a coat to meet him. I know it was still a common coat, but it was significant to me that he saw the necessity to change. We often wear our “work clothes” to church.
I am a firm believer in wearing the best that you have to worship God. This does not mean sequin dresses, rhinestone straps nor outrageous hats ( save them for weddings and Ascot). Clean, respectable and acceptable is what my mother taught me and it has stayed with me all my life. Thanks for posting!