Besides guarding our brothers eyes by modest dress, does what we wear really matter to God?
A blog friend brought up a good point I thought. She mentioned that she thought God did care about the way we dress, and why is it that girls today find it okay to dress in denim to church? I was raised to dress up for church and personally prefer to do so now; however, is this something that God really looks at? Or is this something people came up with?
"But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)
I think He does look at it, in relations to what is in our hearts. Ask yourself, why do some people dress down? Is it because they don't care? Is it because they weren't taught "church etiquette"? Is it because they can't afford to do better? If the latter, should they be made to feel awkward or unwelcome because of it? Should they not come at all?
Ask yourself, why do some people dress up? Is it to show proper respect? Is it because they were raised to do so (tradition)? Is it to gain admiration of fellow church-goers?
"At the end of the day, let everything you do glorify God." -unknown
What do you think about this? How can we glorify God by the way we dress? What should our heart be reflecting on this topic?
5 comments:
"Pure in heart. When we realize that our dress symbolizes whether or not we have submitted our heart to the Lordship of Christ, we begin to view other issues, like modesty, differently. We see modesty in clothing as a way to express our love for Christ and our brethren." - found an enteresting article here-->
http://www.adventistsaffirm.org/article.php?id=118
Although I am not going one way or the other concerning the full beliefs of the site owners, I did find some of the things they said on the page link I gave you, to be very enteresting and insightful.
♥ Beth :)
I've begun to think about that myself. My thoughts were, if I'm dressing up for parties or just to hang out with friends, shouldn't I give a little more for God? He deserves more than my friends... I mean, I don't wear jeans and a tee if I'm hanging out with someone, I usually pull out a nicer shirt I save for special occasions. Why wouldn't I do that for God?
I also think we shouldn't be bringing God down to our level. Many contemporary churches dress casually with the theme "Come as you are, God doesn't care" or something to that effect. God does not tell us to come as we are! As Christians, we are to be constantly changing and our standards should strive to His level.
But it is still a matter of the heart. Each one's conscience is touched differently. I've never been convicted to wear skirts 24/7 for instance, though I have a friend who was. We all reflect different facets of God. Maybe there isn't one particular way people should dress for church.
~Autumn~
Hmmm...this is very interesting! I'm sure there are a lot of different opinions. My way of thinking is that it's more important where your heart is. Just like worship in church as well. Just because someone's not making a show of worship by raising their hands or dancing for example, doesn't mean they are not worshipping in their heart. And just because someone wears jeans to church doesn't mean they don't have respect for God. I'm sure God likes it when we dress up special for him, but he loves us just the same in our t-shirts and jeans, as long as our hearts are in the right place. Same goes for modesty, as Abigail mentioned at the beginning of the post. If you dress modestly because you're "supposed to" instead of because you want to honor God, your heart is in the wrong place. It becomes the right thing to do when you realize that you are made beautiful and precious and want to honor God with your body.
Hey the Abigail!
Very interesting topic you've got there! I have also been raised to always dress nicely for church. Sometimes, though, I don't dress AS nicely as I probably should. I always wear a skirt, but sometimes more on the casual side.. lol. I know God looks at the heart, but I strongly believe that the way we dress shows what's inside. For instance, if I feel sad, or depressed, I'll probably dress in a "depressed" way. Does that make sense? The more we know about our God, and how beutiful, and orderly, and perfect He is.. the more we will strive to be the same. We will start acting differently.. and dressing differently! Especially on His special day: Sunday. What's in our hearts will definitely show through on the outside, as well. Some people probably won't agree with me, so if that's the case.. with an open mind, ask God to show you! And He will.. I promise.
God bless you, Abigail!
Rebekah
Hmm... interesting post... but this reminds me much of my own family. Modesty is good, yes. However, what about style and good taste? Are we not called to those things which are beautiful in the same verses as to that which is right and noble?
I find it frustrating that people use the whole idea of 'dressing with modesty' as an excuse for wearing t-shirts and jeans and other nondescript clothes. While perhaps I focus too much on the externals, I do believe they reflect our inside thoughts and nature. Additionally, for those of the fairer sex who are afraid the cut of their garments might suggest a woman is inside--God made you to be feminine, please don't be ashamed of that. :P
As for men's dress... that's a whole other discussion. I think most guys just don't care and mostly just want to feel comfortable. We're not called to be comfortable, rather we should strive to be respectable.
As for me, my goal is to live in simple elegance and refinement. Nothing gaudy or too plain... both of which are in bad taste.
I believe in showing up in church with at least the minimum I would wear anywhere else, even if that makes me a bit too dressy, as I agree with "Autumn Catherine". Additionally, "~Rebekah Bjur~" is not the only whose dress and mood are linked... ;)
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