I have been pondering since Sunday on how I want to approach this subject. In some ways I was appalled at the choices church goers made when attending the Easter services at our church. Our church's website acknowledges that it is a "casual environment" but when is enough truly enough. When does the church become more social than spiritual. With our coffee shops, lounges, cafes and deli's... how far will the modern day church go to lure more members in the doors or connect with folks that normally would not go. It this relaxed or casual "acceptance" because the Church dares not to ask anything of its members for fear of insult or governance? There are even websites people have created on how to dress "casual" for Lord. Has the casualness of our society in general impacted our view and approach to the Lord? Is this now bringing a lessened reverence in respect towards God.......
I remember when "Sunday Best" meant suits and ties, dress shirts and slacks, dresses, blouses and sweaters..... now days the definition seems to bring a more party approach with Hawaiian shirts, flip flops, and cargo shorts. I have even seen parents allowing their children to attend services with "Juicy" across their behinds......
Actually there are several distinct issues to be considered when dealing with this topic. There is the issue of modesty and propriety - whether it is appropriate for young women, in particular, to attend church in short shorts, miniskirts, strapless or halter tops, or other fashions that call attention to their bodies and could become a distraction or even an occasion of sexual temptation to others.
Also, there is the issue of whether clothing that bears potentially distracting or offensive words or images, such as jackets or T-shirts with advertising for liquor or gambling establishments, sarcastic or salacious sayings, rock band insignia, political slogans, etc., belongs in a place of worship.
Finally, there is the issue of whether ordinary casual clothing such as jeans, sandals, sneakers, walking shorts, sweatshirts, or plain T-shirts are good enough to wear to church, or if the occasion demands at least the "professional" style of dress one might wear to an office job - dress slacks or skirts with heels for women, shirt and tie for men.
Those who argue in favor of dressing up for church often say that one should show the same respect for God as one would show to a human dignitary such as a president, pope, king or queen. If you were invited to a state dinner at the White House or an audience with the Queen, they say, would you even think of wearing shorts, jeans or sandals? Wouldn't you make sure you had the best suit or dress you could afford? So why not do the same for God?
There are good arguments in favor of both views, and I personally do admire the commitment of those who adhere to the tradition of "Sunday best" out of a conviction that this shows respect for God. I also agree that regardless of one's economic status or other situations (e.g. being on a weekend camping trip for which one cannot reasonably be expected to pack dress clothes), nearly everyone can uphold a basic level of modesty and cleanliness that will not cause undue distraction or temptation to others.
Before deciding whether to wear your Sunday best clothes to church, put on your "Sunday best" attitudes of reverence and gratitude toward God and charity toward those around you.
1 comment:
Amen brother. I've pondered this myself on ocassion, but it isn't just church. Remember when you were supposed to remove your hat during a meal? Go to any restaurant in this country, anything including and below the level of Red Lobster and/or Olive Garden and I guarantee you you'll be able to look around and see at least one man wearing a baseball cap somewhere. And there will be sweat pants, and there will be offensive t-shirts, and possibly even pajama bottoms. It's not only a relaxed view of respect for the Lord, it's a relaxed view of all respect in general, especially for one's self.
There's only one place you'll find me wearing pajamas to: my bed! I won't even take the dog out unless I'm fully clothed. He can hold it long enough for me to throw on a pair of jeans and a sweater, and he knows it.
There is no respect for person, place, or thing in today's society. In a world where the most powerful man on the planet goes on late night comedy shows and makes jokes at the expense of the disabled, how can we be surprised when people have no respect for something they can not even see? "Hope" is nothing more than a political slogan and "faith" is something mocked and hidden from public display. What is God to these people, let alone His house, which is these days nothing more than a glorified rec center, with coffee loungues, book stores, and gymnasiums?
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