Dress for praise and worship service

[Golden_Griff]

Boy, I stay gone for a day and a half and look what happens. I'm missing everything!

We should be able to be ourselves more than anything with our fellow believers, and with God. Of course that doesn't mean that we should flaunt our sins and our faults, but that we should be honest about them. Likewise, I don't feel I should have to dress any differently than I normally do.

I think if everyone insists on dressing up for church, it almost ends up being a show. It can make visitors feel badly about their attire, and I get so upset when I hear "I can't go to church, I don't have any nice clothes!"

I understand the thing about you should show respect for the Sabbath so you shouldn't come dressed like the Rag Man with 20 holes in your pants the size of oranges. But I don't understand why some people make such a fuss over the way someone else dresses especially if it's nothing inappropriate about it. Actually I am very against mini-skirts and low cut tops. Yes, I know that it's not giving God your best if you're sitting in the congregation with a t-shirt and jeans when you know you got a fancy outfit in the closet that's worth $70.

It's like what Eirewolf and Gypsy said, I'm not dressing down just to be different or cause a stir. I wear what I want because I feel like I can enjoy and participate in the service a little better if I dress in something that is decent and makes me feel comfortable. Sure, that short black skirt that stops at the knees might look cute to mom, but I feel more comfortable if I'm wearing this flowery dress that goes down to my ankles.

I hafta wear a dress or skirt with a silky blouse and Highheels. *glares at shoes* They're a curse I tell you! A CURSE!!!!!!

I HATE HIGH-HEELS!!

[Golden_Griff]

I'm glad this thread was revived because I wanted to share this with you all:

One Sunday a couple of weeks ago we were having family and friends day. I always associate this day with casual attire so I chose to wear just that. Wellll, Mom wasn't too happy with what I chose: a pink peasant top with a gray skirt. There was absolutely nothing wrong with what I picked out so I decided to stick with my decision.

Well she got upset BIG TIME; she started telling about "I'll get fussed at by your father if I let you wear that" and "Everyone will talk about me" and "It's Family and Friends day you need to be more dressy." She even tried to get my brother to agree with her (yeah, like HE was going to tell me what to wear). She ended the argument with "well you're just being disobedient now." I told her "I'm not being disobedient I just decided that it's time that I made my own decisions about what I wear to church." She was trying to make me feel bad (which I did) but I went to church wearing what I had chosen anyway.

I apologized to my mom the next Sunday for "being disobedient." But ever since I came back home from church that morning she never mentioned it.

My cousin (who had given me a pep talk about speaking up) and my brother both agree that Mom's routine of picking out my clothes should have ended long ago. Hopefully she has finally realized that I'm not a ten-year-old anymore. I was getting really tired of her always picking my clothes out for Sunday and not letting me make that decision so I'm glad I finally step forward to do something about it.

[Heart of Sword]

I think it's all legalism...but I don't want to get into that. I wear a wolf shirt and baggy pants to church, but it's more of a contemporary service...for a traditional service I'd wear a normal shirt (but NEVER, EVER, EVER a dress!!!!!).

[Yojimbo]

Well Griff has pretty much summed up my thoughts on this. Obviously you don't want to be looking like you just came out of a garbage dump and look like you just went through a hard night of drinking. Heck for guys a reasonably nice polo or button up shirt is fine.

[Golden_Griff]

Well Griff has pretty much summed up my thoughts on this. Obviously you don't want to be looking like you just came out of a garbage dump and look like you just went through a hard night of drinking.

LOL, garbage dump

[uc pseudonym]

[quote="cbwing0"]I think some of you are are missing the point. The point is that heart and appearance matter. It is not a question of having a good heart, or being respectful by wearing nice clothes to church]

I would strongly affirm your point regarding the difference between reverence and legalism. However, allow me to (instead of stating a logical point, for I do not wish to argue) present an example.

There exists in several towns a group of believers known as Church Under The Bridge. They are a gathering of several hundred homeless individuals who have managed to obtain old equipment, or enough to run pretty contemporary services. While in Waco, I visited this church.

To have worn my best at this location would be a mockery of the individuals involved. Conversely, to have worn intentionally poor clothes would have been as much of a mockery as well as being vaguely deceitful. This decision was taken from me, so it is for the moment irrelevant.

Certainly, you would not condemn these people for what they wore (you stated as much). But the atmosphere and concept is a completely different one. These people view their involvement with church as dying people staggering into a hospital, not a special event. Though my church is less formal than some, on occasion I have worn a suit. When I do so, I find myself wondering how I can justify all my clothing when there are people dying with none.

[cbwing0]

There exists in several towns a group of believers known as Church Under The Bridge. They are a gathering of several hundred homeless individuals who have managed to obtain old equipment, or enough to run pretty contemporary services. While in Waco, I visited this church.

To have worn my best at this location would be a mockery of the individuals involved. Conversely, to have worn intentionally poor clothes would have been as much of a mockery as well as being vaguely deceitful. This decision was taken from me, so it is for the moment irrelevant.

That sounds like a very interesting church movement. I think I would probably just wear my normal clothes in that situation, rather than going to one of the two extremes]Though my church is less formal than some, on occasion I have worn a suit. When I do so, I find myself wondering how I can justify all my clothing when there are people dying with none.[/quote]
Another good point. That is why it is important to give generously from that which the Lord provides (yet another example of faith shown by deeds). Usually the most efficient way to do this is to give to your "home" church, since they should have people in charge of meeting needs as they arise in your local community.

I sometimes feel the same way when I am eating. I think about all of the people in the world that die of starvation on a daily basis, and I feel rather guilty. Obviously I can't send my food to them, but I can give money to organizations that will help with relief efforts.

There is one statistic that has always amazed me. Each year, Americans spend 19 billion dollars on fitness and weight loss products. With that much money, we could completely eradicate world hunger. If we weren't such gluttons, we wouldn't need to spend money to lose weight, which could then be used to feed those that are starving.

[Grumpy]

I am not targeting any women. Do not take offense please. These scriptures popped in my head because their are not many scriptures about men's clothing besides the ones about being do not be effeminate in dress and in one's character. One down for the metrosexual

Deu 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman's garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.

"I will that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (1 Timothy 2:8-10).

"Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands" (I Peter 3:1-5).

I play in a church praise band. I wear Dr. Martens, dress pants, long sleeve shirt and tie. To me its sacrifice to wear them because you have to wash them differently, hang them up all nice and pretty, and it is more professional. Nevertheless, I suck it up and do it anyways. Because to me it shows that, I am putting forth a best effort. When I am not on the stage, I usually wear normal stuff like polo shirts and jeans. If I had the money to wear dress clothes all the time, I would but I do not. Therefore, I try to stretch it out as much as I can. But some people just do not dress up because it is a discipline or an because of laziness.

Our church has a certain guidelines for leadership and musicians. However, this is what I tell new converts about modesty in clothing. If you think it is morally correct, wear it. The moment you are convicted to wear Dress clothes for men or skirt/dress for women, you should do it because Jesus has laid it in your heart to dress a certain way.

About another post I read. There was a difference between men and women’s clothing. When the priest went up the stairs of some temple, (I do not remember the location) The verse stated that he was wearing breeches under his robes. There was also a destention between men and female from length of hair. So that was another way of telling man from woman.

"Is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering" (I Corinthians 11:13-15).

Thank you for your time.

[uc pseudonym]

I sometimes feel the same way when I am eating. I think about all of the people in the world that die of starvation on a daily basis, and I feel rather guilty. Obviously I can't send my food to them, but I can give money to organizations that will help with relief efforts.

There is one statistic that has always amazed me. Each year, Americans spend 19 billion dollars on fitness and weight loss products. With that much money, we could completely eradicate world hunger. If we weren't such gluttons, we wouldn't need to spend money to lose weight, which could then be used to feed those that are starving.

This is very true, and indeed a sad thing. Other statistics that have always sickened me are the ones dealing with the extreme waste in the world. We could feed the world's population many times over, yet millions go hungry. If every country were allowed to grow food for itself, even, there would be no world hunger.

Another sobering statistic: on average, less than 1% of a church's tithes directly go to helping the poor.

However, at this point I realize that we are distinctly off topic. Unless you have something critical to say via PM, it would probably be for the best if this conversation would be discontinued at this point.

[FunkerVGirl]

I just want to say that as a christian i wear a lot of things that most people just dont wear! For instance i'm into creating my own styles and also im into Lolita type wear. People have this who notion that a christian girl is supposed to wear a white t-shirt three times the size of your body and a loose long skirt. Christians are just not that boring. I love fashion and i wear things that are unique but yet dont show too much. I wont wear excessively short skirts or shorts or tiny baby gap shirts and MAJOR CLEAVAGE shirts. I think as long as your body isnt spilling out of your clothing your fine.

I get a lot of, wow your wearing those boots and your a christian?! That really shouldnt matter folks!!!! WE'RE FUN PEOPLE TOO DANGIT!!!

[sam042001]

I'm sure others have posted pretty much the same thing, but o well.

To me, personally, look nice. My church is a First Baptist Church (you know tradional and all that), but not really. On Sundays you see everything from top of the line designers to jeans and sweatshirts or T - shirts. The jeans and T shirts are all nice, no holes or anything. When you go to church, you are showing respect to God, it is His house.

As far as dresses/skirts only for females - I Don't Think So! (my opinion) Personally, I do wear them, but not because anyone tells me I have to. I also wear pants. I was engaged to this guy who said when we married I would have to wear pants on the Sundays his family came over. I told him I think not, and he wasn't too happy, but oh well.

Again, remember, you are in God's house, show respect with what you wear.

[Gypsy]

Hmm, just a thought:

I keep hearing the phrase "The church is God's house, dress respectfully when there." Yes, we gather in a building to worship God and hear teachings about Him, but the "church" is not the building at all. The church is your group of fellow believers in Christ. I think to explain my point any further would be insulting to most people's intelligence, but I'll expound if someone wants me to.

[cbwing0]

I keep hearing the phrase "The church is God's house, dress respectfully when there." Yes, we gather in a building to worship God and hear teachings about Him, but the "church" is not the building at all. The church is your group of fellow believers in Christ. I think to explain my point any further would be insulting to most people's intelligence, but I'll expound if someone wants me to.

That is an interesting thought]also[/i] a physical building in which parts of that body gather to worship God. To focus on one definition of the term while completely ignoring the other is to move too far into the abstract.

[Gypsy]

Oh, I completely agree with the core of what you're saying, but I don't believe that I'm too far into the abstract. I was only bringing out a point that I hadn't seen highlighted yet. I don't ignore the fact that my church is a very different place, than say, the mall. And even though I don't normally dress up for church, I do respect the fact that it is a church building. For instance, I don't put my feet up on the back of the chairs during the service, or I don't bring in a soda to sip while I'm listening to the preaching.

Again, I don't think it's wrong to dress up for church, and I don't think it's wrong to dress casually for church. What I think is wrong is when people feel like they have to dress a certain way (barring decency, of course) in order to attend and/or participate in a church service.

[Momus]

Well, I just relate it to a wedding, I mean the Church( capital C, just to make a distinction) is the bride of Christ, and therefore, isn't the communion of the Church and God like a wedding? Why do u wear what u wear to a wedding? Just a thought. It just bothers me when people outside of church see me wearing black(knowing im Christian) and thinking, oh, he's just out of a funeral. gees, I mean, I have respect for the Brethren of Christ and related groups, but thats not my conviction, and I'm not going to dress "In my Sunday best" so to speak, just out and about. I know I am always in God's sight, but Sunday IS a special day, apart from the rest of he week, that I rest and worship, that's why I dress special for that day. OK, I'll shut up now.