What to Wear...

"Many people dress more and more casually for Sunday morning worship.  They come in jeans and shorts because they like the more relaxed atmosphere this creates.  But on the other hand, I once heard someone say that by wearing a suit on Sunday morning, he was witnessing to his neighbors that he was going to church.

"I've thought about that comment over the years.  When I get dressed up for church in the casual town I live in, I am aware of the silent witness I am making about where I am going and how I feel about it.

"...Clothes can [also] affect our feelings about an event.  Maybe we are more open to God when we come casually to worship, like going to a friend's house.  Or maybe we take God's Word in our lives more seriously if we dress up, as for an important business meeting.

"The question really boils down to this: when we get dressed up to go to church, how are we preparing ourselves to go?  If God gave us the Sabbath as a sign of holiness, how are we responding to it?  It is a question we should not take lightly, but it is also a question each person should answer for themselves."
--Valerie Hess, "Spiritual Disciplines Devotional"

Interesting topic as we talk about worship - does it matter what we wear on Sunday?  I've always thought people should come as they are - whatever they are comfortable in.  We don't all have beautiful dresses and expensive suits.  Piercings, tattoos, and dyed hair can't always be hidden.  But God accepts us as his children anyway.

I wish I could wear jeans to church on Sundays - most of the time.  But I will say, I feel more "worshipful" and attentive when I am more dressed up.  I feel that worship is a special occasion and a holy experience when I come ready to celebrate.  And I do notice that people see you and treat you differently at the grocery stores or restaurants in those after-church hours.  People do notice.  I've never thought about that before...

So your challenge this week?  Take notice of what you wear to church.  Do you always wear jeans?  Try dressing up this week - see how it affects your worship experience.  Do you always dress to the nines?  What would happen if you toned it down a bit?  Would you be less able to focus on God?  Just curious.  I'd love to hear your comments!