@Mud Puppy: See, that's what I'm talking about (referencing the "old hens"). It's akin to what Los mentioned a little while ago on his blog about someone making the comment about him as "the lowest common denominator" because of his tats. What's all that about? Pride I'm thinking.

@D Rho: "God is not pleased with performances." Agreed, except I would add the caveat at that He is pleased by our actions when they are done in sincerity of heart and are for His kingdom, not our own.

I also hear you loud and clear on the "postmodern" dress issue. I'm seriously thinking about a part 2 on this issue to address the other side. Buying stuff from Buckle/Hollister/Ambercrombie/etc. and looking cool makes one no more spiritual than does a suit and tie.

@Eric: You're absolutely correct, sir. I WAS the same pastor. Good times…good times.

@Patty Cake: Fantastic. That's the kind of thing I'm talking about. I don't want to take away anything from those who desire to dress up, but when its been turned into a cultural requirement so strict that someone with difficulties is expected to follow it, there's a problem. How can someone worship God if their frame of mind is totally blown before they even get out the door to go to worship?

@Bob: "I couldn’t care less what he wears, he knows the gospel." That's the #1 issue as far as I'm concerned. is the Gospel being proclaimed? To God be the glory.

@Marcus: I hear you. Ditto.

#Bobby: I know exactly what you're saying, and like I said to D Rho, I may address that in a part 2. I do think there is problem on the reverse side of the issue, one that says, "If you don't dress in a cool fashion, then you are not relevant." The term "relevant" has come to mean spiritual in some circles. Relevancy might be a good thing in today's church, but being irrelevant doesn't make one lake spirituality or sincerity. I completely agree with your sentiments.

@Mandy: I hear you and your husband, and completely feel what you're saying. I agree with this stance as well. For those who want to dress up, that is between themselves and the Lord. From what I've read from both of your blogs, I don't picture either of you ever looking down your nose at someone who is not as dressy as you. That's really what I'm getting at, this false idea that a level of dress is an exhibition of one's level of spirituality.

@Lorie: Just like with Mandy's comment, I hear you and I get it. Let me give you this take on the meeting with the President idea. I, too, would dress up in a suit and tie, out of a show of respect (for the office, not the person in the chair), but this too is just a reflection of society's expectations. If we lived in a culture where showing respect meant dressing up in a blue suede robe, then we would do that rather than a suit. So, for me, it still comes back to social expectations and dressing to impress my fellow man. Add to this that I would dress up to meet the President even if I had zero respect for them, the analogy is not entirely applicable.

Again, not trying to be contentious, but I still think the heart issue trumps the dress issue. As with the term "Sunday best," what does that mean? In the church where I serve, for some that means a starched Western shirt, pressed and creased jeans, and shiny cowboy boots that NEVER get worn except at church. For another guy in our congregation, one from California, that means he irons his t-shirt and wipes his flip flops clean.

Thanks to everyone for all the comments. Let's do it again some time.

I believe that, historically, the reason for wearing one's "Sunday best" was not just an effort to be socially impressive but also appropriately reverent and respectful.

I've heard it expressed this way, and it's a sobering thought: would I dress better to meet the President of the United States than I do when I go to church? If so, why? It has to do with respect, does it not? As I was thinking through this, I even thought about whether I put more thought into what I wear on a date than what I wear to church…

The Lord IS primarily concerned with our hearts, but our outer appearance does (to some degree) reflect our hearts (modesty is a case in point) and the amount of respect we have for where we are and who we're with. Don't you think?

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Don't get me wrong; I agree with you 100%. Just trying to throw some more food for thought into the conversation. We always have to be careful, when we begin to exercise freedom that we truly have in Christ and get rid of silly, legalistic codes, that we don't re-legalize in some fashion.

There are those who attend church and actually listen, absorb and apply what they learn… and.. those who go to maintain appearances and put on a false facade.

Go figure.

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