What happened to dressing to impress God?

[Lucia]

Is it that hard, I'm not saying to bust out your Auntie's hat and gloves but seriously why do I see (and I mean really see) people coming to church with flip flops and cut-off Daisy Dukes on. What up with that? nobody (even if you have the body, even little girls) but no-body should be going to service like that. I mean I see grown women with teenage and adult kids walking around in super short mini's and shorts (cuchie cutters) with the flip flops, not to mention all their cellulitises, and varicose viens, have you heard of panythose? They got to know that ain't right.
I mean when you go to a school or job interview don't you dress your best? You don't show up half naked.
When you go to a club or a party or dinner don't you dress your best or try to?
So why can't some people put in the effort to dress for Jesus, dress to impress God, He gave you the means to make the cash to buy the car, home, clothes etc... and you can't give the Almightly some respect by not having your privates almost out on display? Might as well everybody.
Just look sharp, clean, showered, for God's sake cover some things up.
Ok I know I just lost it but this reeeeeeallly gets under my skin.

 

[phynestone]

I hear so much about this, but I have never seen this in action. That is so sad. Have you or any of the elders in the church attempted to take them aside and bring it to their attention. Some people really don't know and some do it on purpose. Has the Pastor's wife said anything? I know we're supposed to dress our best when we come to the house of the Lord, but for some, our best is nice, clean pressed pants and a plain blouse.

 

[Lucia]

I hear so much about this, but I have never seen this in action. That is so sad. Have you or any of the elders in the church attempted to take them aside and bring it to their attention. Some people really don't know and some do it on purpose. Has the Pastor's wife said anything? I know we're supposed to dress our best when we come to the house of the Lord, but for some, our best is nice, clean pressed pants and a plain blouse.

The preists pastors and deacons just seem to ignore it and act like it's normal for people to dress like this. But when I go to latin mass we dress it's always the english mass hate to say it but it's true I'm not even exagerating
Maybe I should write a letter and have it read to the entire congregation. Yeah I'm EM them right now.

 

[CurliDiva]

I think some some church are allowing a "casual or street" attire to attract a younger, hip hop audience (esp.young males who are sorely underrepresented) . There is a local church with a TV ministry, and they (including the pastor) dress in jerseys and jeans, just like on BET. But daisy dukes are a bit much!

 

[QUINN]

What happened to, "come as you are." ? I don't mean coming to church naked, but some people don't have better clothing or they just don't know any better. A lot of people are reluctant to step foot in a church for fear of being "looked at" funny by the church regulars. This is also a lot of people choose to have church in their hearts and in the privacy of their home. I feel that church should be a loving open arm environment and in this day and age it is so sad that it is not.

My question is and what I am more concerned with is...Why is it that the preacher does not have a job? A lot of preachers do not have jobs outside of being the preacher. When I was growing up the preacher had a "regular" job to support his family. He did rec'v a SMALL stipend from the church, but not enough to support his family, his brand new Cadillac every year and his many children's (with the wife and the mistresses) higher educations.

I grew up in a church where the preacher lived in the community of his fellow church goers, he had a regular job, he tithed with everyone else and gave as much if not more to the church along with everyone else. Church these days are not what they used to be. It is a shame what it has become.

Jesus hung out with prostitutes and the low-lifes who are we to think that we are better than him? Who are we to sit around and talk bad about people and say who is better than whom? My momma always told me that I ain't better than nobody and nobody is better than me. At the end of the day we all have to answer for ourselves. If you can't help someone, why kick them when they may be on their last leg?

LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.

 

[sky_blu]

What happened to, "come as you are." ? I don't mean coming to church naked, but some people don't have better clothing or they just don't know any better.

Girl you took it outta my mouth! I dont God cares if you come dressed to the nines in this and that anyway. As long as you believe in him and come there to worship him then there shouldn't be a problem. You shouldn't go to church to impress anybody because thats not what its there for.

 

[Lucia]

Is it that hard, I'm not saying to bust out your Auntie's hat and gloves but seriously why do I see (and I mean really see) people coming to church with flip flops and cut-off Daisy Dukes on.
Just look sharp, clean, showered, for God's sake cover some things up.
Ok I know I just lost it but this reeeeeeallly gets under my skin.

Look I understand that some people don't have the means but you don't have to be rich to wear your best jeans and t-shirt or ladies throw on a simple sundress from Walmart on to church. I mean people go all out for the club thats all I'm saying and the anglo congrgation I go to some of these people live in big houses and belong to the country club, drive Benzes, porshe's and things they can afford it.

 

[Lucia]

I know we're supposed to dress our best when we come to the house of the Lord, but for some, our best is nice, clean pressed pants and a plain blouse.

That's all I'm saying but people can't even swing that and you don't have to have $$ to do that. The Daisy dukes on women in church is just ain't right.

 

[firecracker]

My church just posted a dress code to give some people an idea what is proper. We have a come as you are policy. I believe our rules were directed toward the youth with the short cheerleader style skirts and spaghetti straps. Oh well as long as they come.

 

[nicki6]

I had this exact same thought as I attended a funeral last Monday. There were several young (under 25) peope dressed, in my opiion, inappropriately. One young woman was wearing lime green, spaghetti strap "club" outfit. As I stood behind her, I found myself trying to decipher the tattoo on the shoulder.

I understand that some may not have the wardrobe of "Sunday best", but 'clean and covered' can be found at the thrift store and in most closets.

 

[meka]

I am a firm believer in come as you are. I haven't read that God wants us to come to church in "Sunday best". But I also believe that things should be done decent and in order. As the person continues to come to service, then it should be discreetfully pointed out on how to dress for church.

 

[SUPER SWEET]

I have lost two friends over this same topic. I suggested not wearing anything lowcut,skin tight or club attire. Of course I got the bark of "come as you are." I know that they wouldnt wear that same outfit to a corporate interview. This is a lame excuse for some.

 

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

I think some some church are allowing a "casual or street" attire to attract a younger, hip hop audience (esp.young males who are sorely underrepresented) . There is a local church with a TV ministry, and they (including the pastor) dress in jerseys and jeans, just like on BET. But daisy dukes are a bit much!

I was watching TBN one night a good while back listening/watching Juanita Bynum. She made a statement that made me go YEAH!! She was talking about how churches and musicians are saying they are changing the way they hold their services and the music because they are trying to draw more members and draw people closer to God(paraphrasing here) she then said that maybe they were trying to draw somebody that God hadnt called. That is oh so true, cause I dont care how hard you try, you cant draw who God aint called. YET!! God's word is the same and has not changed from day one. He said He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and that He change not. So why are the churches changing. I believe the same God that saved the lost in 2050, 1800, 1901, 1950, and in 1970 is the same God that can do it in 2005 and do it in the same way.

 

[Blossssom]

I so agree with you. People are an utter disgrace nowadays!

 

[Blossssom]

I was watching TBN one night a good while back listening/watching Juanita Bynum. She made a statement that made me go YEAH!! She was talking about how churches and musicians are saying they are changing the way they hold their services and the music because they are trying to draw more members and draw people closer to God(paraphrasing here) she then said that maybe they were trying to draw somebody that God hadnt called. That is oh so true, cause I dont care how hard you try, you cant draw who God aint called. YET!! God's word is the same and has not changed from day one. He said He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and that He change not. So why are the churches changing. I believe the same God that saved the lost in 2050, 1800, 1901, 1950, and in 1970 is the same God that can do it in 2005 and do it in the same way.

You get post of the week and it's only Sunday! Excellent post!

We were listening to a "gospel" station the other day and you couldn't tell Christ-centered music from the new "rap gospel" out there.

Very sad...

 

[firecracker]

You get post of the week and it's only Sunday! Excellent post!

We were listening to a "gospel" station the other day and you couldn't tell Christ-centered music from the new "rap gospel" out there.

Very sad...

B at least you have a gospel station to listen to up North. I agree that people ought to know what is deemed appropriate but when you say no dress code you get the worst. My gospel musical taste lean toward ole school Shirley Caesar, Tramaine, Edward Hawkins & family. Rap

 

[Cincysweetie]

What happened to, "come as you are." ? I don't mean coming to church naked, but some people don't have better clothing or they just don't know any better. A lot of people are reluctant to step foot in a church for fear of being "looked at" funny by the church regulars. This is also a lot of people choose to have church in their hearts and in the privacy of their home. I feel that church should be a loving open arm environment and in this day and age it is so sad that it is not.

LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.

I agree with this. I think it's a shame that some people won't even come to church because they are afraid of being ridiculed or looked at crazy for what they are wearing.

Case in point: When I went away to college I didn't attend church as frequently as there wasn't really a church nearby that I was comfortable in going to. When I came home from school, I found that my clothing choices for church were limited as I had lost a lot of weight, things didn't fit right, and I hadn't gone shopping for church clothes lately. And let's face it, the stuff I wear to class day in and day out probably isn't considered "dressing for the Lord", not b/c it's skanky or anything, but because it's real casual street clothing. Anyway, Easter Sunday of my sophmore year of college I wore this dress that a friend had let me borrow b/c I didn't have anything that fit right or that I felt comfortable in. I am chesty, I can't help that, and the dress was somewhat low-cut...but I felt comfortable and I looked nice, even threw a cover jacket on top to cover my bare arms. Well my father, stepmother, and grandmother threw a fit at the dress, though mind you not a one of them wanted to take me shopping (or offer the money to buy a new out) the previous day when I informed them I didn't really have anything I felt fit right. It was a big ordeal, and this was back several years ago and to tell you the truth...my family hasn't been right since! And neither have I. It was a real blow to my confidence and made me feel like I should be ashamed of the fact that I had a chest. It was very upsetting that so much emphasis was put on my appearance that day, and I felt like crap the whole time. I couldn't help how that sundress fit me (it wasn't too tight, too small or any of that) and I wasn't trying to put my breasts out there for everyone to see...b/c really even in a turtleneck you'd be able to see them!

To this day I constantly look in the mirror for a good 10 minutes solid before I leave for church...making sure everything is fitting right, nothing is too much on display, and nothing is hanging out that might make people look at me funny or think less of me. Is that REALLY what I should be focusing on before I go to the Lord's house? I think not. And even worse, there have been times where I've stood in the mirror that 10 minutes plus, obsessing over my outfit and what others might think (though my mom says "you look fine!!") and I've decided not to go to church b/c maybe someone might view my outfit as inappropriate. Just a couple Sundays ago, I drove all the way to church (35 minutes away), realized I had forgotten my jacket to go with my shirt set that I had on, and left. Now some of you may say...obviously you didn't want to go in the first place, or why didn't you just change. But, when you've been made to think that people are judging you b/c of how you look and will interpret and critique how you dress down to a t, and it's been a big issue in your family and you are self conscious...it's hard to deal with all of that without feeling low about yourself. I really wish people would just get off the whole issue of dresscodes and be satisfied with "come as you are" and IMO that in and of itself is indicative of a bigger problem that churches have...folks being too judgemental.

 

[firecracker]

Dang Cincy that was a bit much since your were visiting. I still think a dresscode for church is necessary. It really is about respect for God and self in his house. I have worn jeans to church a few times but took care to really dress them up. I was raised Baptist "no pants at Sunday Service". My Mom could not believe I had the guts to do it but my church is come as you are. Juanita Bynum's comment is sort of strange to me since God wants us to share his goodness. How will some people get to know him unless they walk in off the street in street clothes?

 

[pebbles]

I'm pretty sure that the originator of this thread wasn't talking about people who didn't have money to go shopping exclusively for church. This has nothing to do with "sin." Yes, come as you are. But remember, dressing properly for church is about reverencing the Lord and looking your best in His presence.

Take the same people who have the nerve to go to church in flip-flops and see if they'll ever step in a club like that. Even if they don't have the money, nobody goes to clubs in flip-flops, nobody. That same person will find something appropriate to put on to go dance with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

If your best is jeans and sneakers, well then wear it and be proud. So long as you are clean, and presentable, it's ok. But if you wouldn't be caught dead in a club the way you dress for church, stop and think for just a second. If you are showing waaaayyyyy too much flesh for the house of God, reconsider your choice of clothing. How does this bring honor and glory to the Father? Are you properly representing the kingdom of God?

God is not impressed with how much your clothes cost. He looks for the sincerity of our hearts. But don't be fooled. God is looking to see in how much esteem you really hold Him. Present your best, always, no matter what it is.

Never will I believe that the folks who come out to church looking like they forgot to get dressed with flip flops on their feet are in their absolute best. I just don't believe that.

 

[BlkHoneyLuv2U]

Dang Cincy that was a bit much since your were visiting. I still think a dresscode for church is necessary. It really is about respect for God and self in his house. I have worn jeans to church a few times but took care to really dress them up. I was raised Baptist "no pants at Sunday Service". My Mom could not believe I had the guts to do it but my church is come as you are. Juanita Bynum's comment is sort of strange to me since God wants us to share his goodness. How will some people get to know him unless they walk in off the street in street clothes?

I dont think her comment was strange. I will try and explain why I feel this way. We all know women who are saved with unsaved husbands, children family members etc. These women pray, try to show Godly love to draw these loved one and nothing happens. Not because God has turned a deaf ear to the prayers but because, its not their time yet. They havent had their Damascus road experience yet. There was a time when I wanted to be saved and decided to go to church ang get saaved, I had it all planned out, down to the exact minute when I was gonna be saved. I set the date, went to church and I prayed hard to be saved. I left thinking I was till I found myself right back in my same old mess, Then I realized that my motive wasnt right, (there was a guy in the church I wanted) not only was my motive wrong but I hadnt had a change of heart. It was only in my Damascus road experience where I met Jesus and was changed from the inside out. and it did not take place at church. I was in my bedroom crying my heart out drowning in sorrow and self pity looking at me and my circumstance when I remembered what my grandmomma said years ago before she died she told me that when life gets too hard to bear, thats the time to stop looking down and look up, cause He's waiting with hands reaching down to pull me up. So I did, I looked up and she was right He was there, gave me the peace, joy, love like I've never known before.

Now back to Juanita, she was just saying that sometimes we as the church, try to do what only God can do, I do say come as you are, if all you have to wear is hoochie clothes wear them, but once God gets ahold of you , you will be changed from the inside out. God will clean you up. Maybe the folks the original poster is talking about arent saved yet, if they are it will take time but God will change them in His time. If they are not saved just be patient sit back and wait for God to do His work.

Before I got saved I was broke and could not afford to buy clothes for myself for church, work and school. So what I did was I bought clothes that I could wear to all three. I like the professional business suit type clothing. I went to school dressing for the position I didnt have yet (and still dont have) went to work dressing the same way, but still looked decent on Sunday when I went to church.

It takes God to change people in all their ways, He changed me and cleaned me up and if He can do it for me, a former drunk, pot head and club slut He can do it for anyone.

 

[Blossssom]

Girl you took it outta my mouth! I dont God cares if you come dressed to the nines in this and that anyway. As long as you believe in him and come there to worship him then there shouldn't be a problem. You shouldn't go to church to impress anybody because thats not what its there for.

They don't "come as you are" when they go to that nightclub.

They are dressed to impressed the night before.

And for the people that don't know how to dress, there could be a committee or department which teaches its members what's appropriate to wear and not to wear. You wouldn't just wear anything to a job, would you?

However, I digress. Considering the lack of home training many individuals did not (and are not) receive whilst growing up, I can see people not knowing the appropriate dress, and they simply need to be taught.

The committee/department could also be responsible for acquiring second-hand clothing and donating it to the people who cannot afford suitable clothing.

 

[Blossssom]

I had this exact same thought as I attended a funeral last Monday. There were several young (under 25) peope dressed, in my opiion, inappropriately. One young woman was wearing lime green, spaghetti strap "club" outfit. As I stood behind her, I found myself trying to decipher the tattoo on the shoulder.

I understand that some may not have the wardrobe of "Sunday best", but 'clean and covered' can be found at the thrift store and in most closets.

These people are such a trip. I made the mistake of going to church yesterday, and you should have seen what the people were wearing.

Churches sure aren't what they used to be, are they?

And it doesn't seem the people go to worship their Savior, either. My cousin told me there's a lot of "competition" in the church amongst the ladies. Yea, that REALLY sounds like we're here to serve the Lord.

 

[Blossssom]

Wow! I could never imagine wearing pants to church... that's just inconceivable to me. Growing up, my dad was the pastor and we always wore a nice dress. At choir rehearsal, we still had to wear a dress or a skirt.

My daddy's brothers kids used to clean the church and his wife and daughters never even wore pants. Everywhere they went, they always had on a skirt or a dress.

I think it had to do with the BIBLE saying something about a woman is not to put on a garment which belongs on a man. No pants allowed.

 

[beyondcute]

Lord did my Pastor address this! We had a girl come up to offering with lowrise white see thru capris on and had the nerve to have the top part of her thong exposed! Her 3 sisters were in tow dressed similarly. They were all under 18. My pastor said *in the middle of service* "I know its hot outside, it is the middle of the summer, BUT it will be hotter in hell. Sister Johnson *thier mother* see me after church." Everybody got the message. Our pastor is very lenient but the next Sunday she preached about church dress. Jeans? Okay. Flip-flops? Okay. Halter tops? NO. Thongs? Why wear those type of things to church period?! Where does see thru blouses and spandex pants come to play?

We have a large college crowd and she unserdstands that for the most part this is "as we are." I work in jeans and have very few dress up clothes and Im not wearing the same black pants to church every Sunday to please anyone. Even jeans can look nice when they are paired with the right shirts and shoes. As long as we are clean then what can anyone say? Even pastors daugther wears jeans sometimes.

Cincy I had a bad experience in chruch as well. Early on when I was about 7 or 8 some girls in Sunday school would always pick on me. My dresses were handed down and by the time they got to me they were worn and out of fashion. Pastor caught then girls picking on me and told them "If you thin kyour dress is gonna get you into heaven then stop coming to church!" She told thier parents and they got WHOOPED!!! I never herad any more about that! Sometimes I get finicky when its time for church. I think my clothes arent good enough but then I think back to that day and throw on the first thing I can grab!

NOW on the other hand. Why are they going to chruch like that? Do they really think that what they are wearing is okay in the house of God? Why would you need to wear somethign skin tight or see thru or have your underwear exposed? Now as far as the funeral goes my uncle *when he died* instructed all of us to wear white and the elders to be in pastels. Just to bring joy to his passing. I really wont fight with colors but how dare you come to church in something that you wouldnt want God to see you in? Cincy Ima 36 DD / 36 DDD so Im with you on hiding these girls! Its a job and they draw attention even when fully covored. So I say dont put too much into camoflauging them. If they are covored then keep on stepping! My motto is "If you cant see where they seperate then Im okay !"

 

[Sweet C]

ladydee your testimony is awesome.

Oh, but back to topic, I believe that we the church overdo the "come as you are" statement which is very popular, but not backed biblically. That phrase was coined for unbelievers such as those who come in off the street, or who for whatever reason don't have it, not those who have been saved umpteen years or have least been in church long enough to know that attire that is too tight, smalll, etc. is unacceptable in the house of God. And only when we "rebuke openly" as the Bible states is when we see changes. The Bible states that we are to enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise. It also states that we should be dressed modestly, so as a believer, when I am going to the house of God, not only do I need to be ready physically, but mentally and spiritually.

For me, I have to pay extra attention, b/c I suffer from the same syndrome of "bustiness" along with cincy and beyondcute. I have to consider that though I might feel fine and comfortable with an outfit initially, that may easily change if I have to kneel or go to the altar for prayer, or if I am laying before my face praising God. And after I got saved, no one had to tell me this, b/c the Lord worked on me afterwards, and my attire change didn't just apply to when I went to church, but to every area of my life. My church at the time also had a workshop on it, which was very informative, b/c it focused on dressing the best for your bodytype, and went into detailed info about a variety of "gadgets" we women use, so even if you did dress modestly, you would be very well informed.

 

[Lucia]

I'm pretty sure that the originator of this thread wasn't talking about people who didn't have money to go shopping exclusively for church. This has nothing to do with "sin." Yes, come as you are. But remember, dressing properly for church is about reverencing the Lord and looking your best in His presence.

Take the same people who have the nerve to go to church in flip-flops and see if they'll ever step in a club like that. Even if they don't have the money, nobody goes to clubs in flip-flops, nobody. That same person will find something appropriate to put on to go dance with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

If your best is jeans and sneakers, well then wear it and be proud. So long as you are clean, and presentable, it's ok. But if you wouldn't be caught dead in a club the way you dress for church, stop and think for just a second. If you are showing waaaayyyyy too much flesh for the house of God, reconsider your choice of clothing. How does this bring honor and glory to the Father? Are you properly representing the kingdom of God?

God is not impressed with how much your clothes cost. He looks for the sincerity of our hearts. But don't be fooled. God is looking to see in how much esteem you really hold Him. Present your best, always, no matter what it is.

Never will I believe that the folks who come out to church looking like they forgot to get dressed with flip flops on their feet are in their absolute best. I just don't believe that.

Well said way to break it down Pebbles ITA

 

[beyondcute]

ummm what a club I dont have club gear but Another incident rises in my mind.... My cousin went to church (drove to chruch AFTER her mom had left so her mom didnt get to see what she was wearing) and showed up to church ina skirt so sort she couldnt bend over. To make matters worse she didnt have on any panties. Just nasty nasty nasty. My aunt was so embarrased she cried. She made my cousin go in the back and put on a chior robe. Who are you tryign to show your body off to coming to chruch like that? The deacons? The Ushers? I dont get it..... For all that stay outta church and go to the club. I believe they are open on Sunday nights as well.

 

[Leigh]

I agree with this. I think it's a shame that some people won't even come to church because they are afraid of being ridiculed or looked at crazy for what they are wearing.

Case in point: When I went away to college I didn't attend church as frequently as there wasn't really a church nearby that I was comfortable in going to. When I came home from school, I found that my clothing choices for church were limited as I had lost a lot of weight, things didn't fit right, and I hadn't gone shopping for church clothes lately. And let's face it, the stuff I wear to class day in and day out probably isn't considered "dressing for the Lord", not b/c it's skanky or anything, but because it's real casual street clothing. Anyway, Easter Sunday of my sophmore year of college I wore this dress that a friend had let me borrow b/c I didn't have anything that fit right or that I felt comfortable in. I am chesty, I can't help that, and the dress was somewhat low-cut...but I felt comfortable and I looked nice, even threw a cover jacket on top to cover my bare arms. Well my father, stepmother, and grandmother threw a fit at the dress, though mind you not a one of them wanted to take me shopping (or offer the money to buy a new out) the previous day when I informed them I didn't really have anything I felt fit right. It was a big ordeal, and this was back several years ago and to tell you the truth...my family hasn't been right since! And neither have I. It was a real blow to my confidence and made me feel like I should be ashamed of the fact that I had a chest. It was very upsetting that so much emphasis was put on my appearance that day, and I felt like crap the whole time. I couldn't help how that sundress fit me (it wasn't too tight, too small or any of that) and I wasn't trying to put my breasts out there for everyone to see...b/c really even in a turtleneck you'd be able to see them!

To this day I constantly look in the mirror for a good 10 minutes solid before I leave for church...making sure everything is fitting right, nothing is too much on display, and nothing is hanging out that might make people look at me funny or think less of me. Is that REALLY what I should be focusing on before I go to the Lord's house? I think not. And even worse, there have been times where I've stood in the mirror that 10 minutes plus, obsessing over my outfit and what others might think (though my mom says "you look fine!!") and I've decided not to go to church b/c maybe someone might view my outfit as inappropriate. Just a couple Sundays ago, I drove all the way to church (35 minutes away), realized I had forgotten my jacket to go with my shirt set that I had on, and left. Now some of you may say...obviously you didn't want to go in the first place, or why didn't you just change. But, when you've been made to think that people are judging you b/c of how you look and will interpret and critique how you dress down to a t, and it's been a big issue in your family and you are self conscious...it's hard to deal with all of that without feeling low about yourself. I really wish people would just get off the whole issue of dresscodes and be satisfied with "come as you are" and IMO that in and of itself is indicative of a bigger problem that churches have...folks being too judgemental.

Girl let it ago. Your focus has to be on the Lord not clothes. Now you informed your family you didn't have anything to wear. They chose not to help so it shouldn't have been a problem. If anything like that ever happens again, put on a pair of jeans and a shirt and call it a day. If they throw a fit, explain to them that you asked them for help when you told them you had nothing to wear that fit appropriately and the only solution you have is to 1) Borrow a dress from a friend, which you did the last time and that didn't work, or 2) to wear something that fit, which happens to be school attire. Let them know that no one offered to help you get an outfit or two so why should they be upset.

Really, stop obsessing over your appearance. Stop focusing on what your family thinks and focus on God. Don't leave church again to go back and get a jacket. Go in and worship the Lord and if someone says something tell them that you welcome all gift certificates and money and will go right out and purchase some more appropriate clothes. And thank them. Ask if they are offering assistance and that you welcome it. They'll shut right up. Or you may get a gift certificate to Nordstroms or somewhere. Either way it's win win for you.

And so what if they judge you. Don't take it personally, ignore it. That is a care of the world trying to choke the word of God out of you. This is nothing but a spiritual test. Show them love poor things.

Now as far as come as you are goes, I honestly do not believe that it means to jump out of the shower and come naked. And dressing provocative is like coming naked. A pair of jeans and shirt is much better than a mini and daisy dukes. Afterall, the bible does warn against lust and some of the clothes people wear are for the express purpose of inciting lust in others. And if you can dress nice to a job interview, you can at the very least dress modest for church. Coming as you are is wearing what you have and if you are out and have to choose between changing and coming to church, you go to church with what you have on. There's nothing wrong with that. But coming half naked is too much. Even homeless people aren't coming half naked.

 

[Leigh]

I'm pretty sure that the originator of this thread wasn't talking about people who didn't have money to go shopping exclusively for church. This has nothing to do with "sin." Yes, come as you are. But remember, dressing properly for church is about reverencing the Lord and looking your best in His presence.

Take the same people who have the nerve to go to church in flip-flops and see if they'll ever step in a club like that. Even if they don't have the money, nobody goes to clubs in flip-flops, nobody. That same person will find something appropriate to put on to go dance with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

If your best is jeans and sneakers, well then wear it and be proud. So long as you are clean, and presentable, it's ok. But if you wouldn't be caught dead in a club the way you dress for church, stop and think for just a second. If you are showing waaaayyyyy too much flesh for the house of God, reconsider your choice of clothing. How does this bring honor and glory to the Father? Are you properly representing the kingdom of God?

God is not impressed with how much your clothes cost. He looks for the sincerity of our hearts. But don't be fooled. God is looking to see in how much esteem you really hold Him. Present your best, always, no matter what it is.

Never will I believe that the folks who come out to church looking like they forgot to get dressed with flip flops on their feet are in their absolute best. I just don't believe that.

My sentiments exactly.

 

[MissB]

I think that people take the expression "come as you are" to an entirely different level. I have seen some interesting sights at church lately. Seeing backs and stomachs exposed on the young ladies really make me cringe. They look as though they left the club and came straight to church. I think that people should have respect for the House of the Lord and come to church looking decent. By decent, they should have their back and stomachs covered at a minimum.