This morning as I was driving to church, it dawn on me that the state of mind of services has become too casual for several people. I grew up always wearing my "Sunday clothes" to church. I still do this today, but majority of people do not. I was looking around today at all the members present, I could count on one hand how many men had on suits. Most did not even have on a tie or coat. I'm not saying all have to wear this, but I do remember the day when it was "standard". Women dress up less as well. Sunday is one day that I look forward to--not only because I enjoying worship--because I have a reason to dress up and not have to worry about getting asked why I'm dressed up. I see more women wearing pants, I'm not talking about dress pants or suits, I'm referring to jeans or khakis or some other type of pants. It saddens me that people take worship so lightly now. I love it when I see others taking pride in how they look and their beliefs. How did it become ok to be so casual about worship?
I know how you dress does not matter, what matters is the frame of mind you have, the path your life is on, and what is in your heart. I know at times how I dress is how I feel. Silly, as that may sound.
This may sound superficial, but it means a lot to me when I am dating someone who attends services, either with me or on their own. This is a very important aspect of someone I want to be with, a good Christian man. At times I know I do not display a Christian like manner, and I struggle with that but work hard each day to improve this.
2 comments:
You're absolutely right... dress is a very important part of it all, and it shouldn't be taken lightly. But more important is your spiritual condition. It's easy to use the role only on church days, but it only matters if you walk the walk all the time.
Reading stuff like this makes me ashamed... ashamed of how far I've fallen. It wasn't that long ago that I was a youth minister and a Sunday school teacher. It wasn't that long ago that I'd worship, really worship, in church. Raise my hands, run the aisles, shout, cry, etc. It wasn't that long ago that I made a commitment to a few kids to help them on their way...
It may sound cliche, but don't let anything get you off course. Don't let anyone make you feel inferior for believing in what you believe in. The only way that can happen is if you let it.
Press on toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God...
Part of dressing up shows you want to give your best, such as an interview. Does giving your best to God mean dressing in your "Sunday's Best?" I know you're aware that doesn't matter to God. In some ways it detracts from worship; such as you judging those around you.
It's not that I don't understand where you're coming from, but when the pastor of the largest Baptist church in Oxford doesn't even wear a tie, and we begin singing more praise songs than hymns, I see myself going back to the dynamic roots of Christianity, not a static something Southern etiquette established.
Tradition and ritualism is one reason I disagree with the Catholic church. Let your base be the Bible, not something man established.
-Kevin
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