Comments on: When Going to Church, What do you Wear?

By: MInTheGap

MInTheGap — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 14:00:06 +0000

The Gospel of James talks about how faith without works is dead. If you have faith, you’re going to want to share it, you’re going to live it, you’re going to bring forth fruit. What we wear is just one thing that shows what’s in our heart.

By: Faithgirl

Faithgirl — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:32:31 +0000

I do agree that God can see the heart and bases his judgement on that. Still, I think he want to see us make some effort. In fact, I like to say God is from the “show me” state.

Sure we may be saved by Grace, and of course God knows our heart, so actions may be futile, but I think God is a proof is in the pudding type of Father, and applauds actions that clearly show that you believe rather than just say it, even if he can see past your words and actions. He wants others to see what he already can…and one of the best ways is vis example, words and actions.

And, if attire doesn’t matter, why does church even matter. God knows whether we are worshiping him (sincerely) or not despite us joining together with a crowd or alone. But, much like there is safety in numbers, there is strength in numbers too and you never know who you’ll inspire or who’ll inspire you…but you’ve got to be in it to win it.

As far as appearance. I’m pretty sure God doesn’t care, just like a parent wouldn’t care “how” you showed up for a visit as long as you paid one. But, they’d likely be saddened, if not “worried” if you continuely showed up tacid and torn, especially for a more “formal” occassion or gathering. Would you show up for a b-day party in sweats or to a company party in ripped jeans? If you’re answer is no, then why show up to church like that. It’s really not a matter of God caring but about YOU showing a bit of respect.

By: To Separate or To Conform at MInTheGap

To Separate or To Conform at MInTheGap — Sun, 30 Jul 2006 12:16:46 +0000

[...] This really shows up in a topic we discussed before about what to wear when going to church. Should we dress down because it doesn’t matter to God what we wear and the world dresses down for such things? How about what we watch for entertainment? Do we watch nothing on TV since the advertisements and shows are bad; should we watch something that contains some problems, but is on the whole ok? [...]

By: Popular Posts at MInTheGap

Popular Posts at MInTheGap — Wed, 12 Jul 2006 12:07:24 +0000

[...] When Going to Church, What do you Wear? [...]

By: mrs. diamond

mrs. diamond — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 23:44:08 +0000

I’m with you on the reverence thing. While I believe God does look on the heart and that is far more important than what we are wearing, I feel it is respectful to wear your better clothing for church. Clothing that is holy and modest. However if someone shows up to church in jeans and tshirt, or even dressed immodestly, nobody should look down their nose at them or make them feel inferior in anyway. As God works on their hearts the outward will change. But it’s up to God to do that work.

I’ve often wondered what would Jesus wear if he came to our church? And would we accept Him?

By: What Emphasis Should be Placed on Biblical Culture? at MInTheGap

What Emphasis Should be Placed on Biblical Culture? at MInTheGap — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 16:56:55 +0000

[...] We recently held a discussion here in regards to what you should wear going to church. In order to really understand the Bible commands, we have to go back to the culture at the time and figure out what was going on at the time. I’m unsure as to whether people dressed up to meet each other in house churches, but I’m fairly certain they dressed up to go to the temple. [...]

By: MInTheGap

MInTheGap — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 15:26:38 +0000

And it’s definitely something that we should not be judging others unless they cross the line into sin. If it’s bugging someone, they should talk to the person and not gossip about it– like you said, Rachel, circumstances could have caused their situation.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 08 Jul 2006 13:12:20 +0000

I agree that one should look his best when he walks into the house of the Lord, but the thing about that is, only God knows what his best is at that time. The reason I say that is because we suffered an apt complex fire back in April and lost most of our things. My son and I had to relocate and start over. Since then we have been going to church in jeans and tennis shoes since that’s all we have right now. I know some people may not understand that when they see us, but God knows! It’s been a very humbling experience. As long as you realize that you’re in the house of the Lord and you wear the best you can, He knows your heart. It’s not about what people think.:-)

By: Leticia

Leticia — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 19:46:00 +0000

I do dress casually at the evening service, but I dress up in the mornings. The church I attend is very very casual, because we started out ministering to street people who were homeless or just plain down and out. We basically let them know that God loved them no matter what.

A lot of people in our church do not have a lot of money, myself included, and we dress as well as we can. Now I have gotten a little upset seeing some of these girls in halter tops and very short skirts or torn pants, come on! Everyone has at least one good pair of jeans or tops.

I think as time goes by and some of these people realize that God is just as important as an interview or job that they will have conviction to dress it up a tad.

Great post MIn!

By: MInTheGap

MInTheGap — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 15:59:29 +0000

I appreciate your responses. I think you’re both hitting on a major and important point. What we show on the outside IS a reflection of who we are on the inside. I tend to dress up because I always have and because I view it as the least I can do for a Savior who died for me. But that can also go so far as being a show off. A lot of it has to do with where you are attending.

But then you get the girl who walks into church off the street with an “Unbutton your fly” t-shirt. Is that appropriate? There’s definitley a line, and definitely a gray area.

What’s important here is what Bethany hit on:
1. You need to look at your heart attitude.
2. You need to be careful not to be a stumbling block to others.

The second point could mean that you have to dress up or down depending on what’s going on in the body you’re fellowshipping with.