Sullivan church of Christ – Sullivan, MO
Date: April 16, 2006
DRESSING DOWN FOR WORSHIP
Darwin Hunter
One of the casualties of the modern age has been modest dress. Shamelessly,
men and women boldly parade themselves in barely clad attire which promotes
lustful looks and immoral thoughts. It is true that all of us must do all that we
can to avoid lust (Matt. 5:27-29), but it is equally true that Christians must avoid
dressing in a way which would incite lust in another (Matt. 18:6-7).
Worship attire has also taken a beating in our modern times. Some dress better
for picnics and ballgames than they do for worship of their Creator. Do we think
about this? Doesn’t our dress say something? What would I be saying to a
bereaved family if I dress for the funeral of their loved one in tennis shoes and a
“Cowboys” T-shirt? What would they think if I showed up in similar attire at
their daughter’s wedding? It would show dishonor for the occasions, and
disrespect for the one being eulogized at the funeral and for the couple being wed.
Can we not make application in worship? Our worship honors God, and is
directed toward Him (Matt. 4:10; John 4:24). Read Psalm 99 to get the “flavor” of
worship. “The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble” (v. 1). “The Lord is great in Zion;
and He is high above all the people” (v. 2). “Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at
his footstool?” (v. 5). Does this sound like a casual, ordinary occasion? Is it
comparable to a beach picnic or sports outing? Of course not! Someone wrote to
Ann Landers a few years ago expressing these same concerns:
Dear Ann Landers: I don’t buy the line that it’s OK to go to church in
jeans and cutoffs, barefooted and in hair rollers, because “God loves us no
matter how we look.” God loves adulterers and prostitutes, too, but that
doesn’t mean we should use them as a standard. People dress up for
things they value — job interviews, wedding, important dates and so on.
Appearing in church in beach clothes says something about the way we feel
about the Lord. — Young Monk in Collegsville, Minn.
Dear Monk: When I see people in a place of worship dressed for a picnic, I
get the impression that they are careless and lazy. As you said so well,
“People get dressed up for things they value.”
In our worship, we gather around the Lord’s Table to memorialize His death for
us. It is a solemn occasion for reflection, self-examination, and gratitude.
Shouldn’t this be seen in our attire? What would an unbelieving visitor think of
our over casualness in our approach to this sacred supper, or in our dress as we
serve at the Lord’s Table? How would we dress before the President of the
United States, or the governor of the state, if invited to their residence? Would
they not view such nonchalance in dress as contempt for the office, or for the
office-holder? If an ambassador from a foreign country appeared before our head
of state in sandals and worn jeans and T-shirt, how would our citizens view that?
Think on these things. Parents, instruct your children in these matters, and set
a good example for them. I am not suggesting a “Christian uniform,” but I am
pleading for thoughtful change lest we dishonor the Savior Whom we have come
to praise and adore. Casual dress and decorum are out of place in our worship of
our King!
“God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in
reverence of all them that are about Him” (Psalm 89:7).
— Via East End Bulletin, East End Church of Christ, McMinnville, TN, Aug.
31, 2003
“DON’T BE NEGATIVE”
Don’t be negative, said some to me;
But they were as negative as could be.
Don’t be negative was their constant cry
But from the cross I heard Jesus sigh:
“Twas not sweet positive truths I taught
That caused my painful death to be wrought.
It was exposure of error, lust and greed,
That prompted my enemies to plot the deed.”
So regardless of the cry of many
It must be free from the blood of any.
And when the Judgment opens wide,
And we stand with the prophets side by side.
Preach it, brother, preach, never compromise.
God must be glorified; it cannot be otherwise.
— Author unknown
— Via Matters of the Faith, Jan. — March 2006
AM I ON TIME?
When I am late —
—> The worship is interrupted until I get seated.
—> I disturb others.
—> I, myself, am a bit disturbed.
—> I miss a valuable part of the worship.
—> I set a bad example.
—> I have a depressed feeling.
When I am on time —
—> I disturb no one; I interrupt nothing.
—> I am ready to cooperate.
—> I prove my faith by activity.
—> I miss no part of the worship and, therefore, come into a deeper appreciation
of the entire period of worship.
—> I entertain a grand and glorious feeling! I can say, “I am on time!”
Therefore —
—> I will arise at the proper time.
—> I will make an earnest effort to arrive on time.
—> I will not linger or loiter on the outside or on the foyer and wait for the
service to begin.
—> I will be in my seat with a mind firmly fixed on God before the service begins.
— Via “The Minister’s Monthly, Feb., 1969