Welcome to our Wednesday “Ask Beau” post. The purpose of this weekly feature is to provide you, our readers, with biblical responses to questions you have about practical issues that you face.
As always, you may submit questions for future “Ask Beau” posts by contacting us at frontier@gracebrethren.org or by leaving a comment on this post.
The increasingly dusty term “Sunday best” is a cultural reminder of at least two things: 1) it was common practice in the past to dress up for church, and 2) this practice is not as common as it used to be.
Many people, particularly in the older generations, feel that dressing up on Sunday is an expression of worship and respect for God. They might feel downright uncomfortable dressing in jeans, for example, on Sunday. Others, particularly in the younger generations, prefer a more casual approach to Sunday attire. They might see casual dress as an expression of authenticity and intimacy in God’s presence.
Which group is right? The answer is “neither” and “both.”
Why “neither?” Try as we might, we will not find a clear biblical mandate (at least not in the New Covenant era) on the way one should dress for worship services. When one group tries to impose its preference in this regard on another group, they run against the teaching of Paul in Romans 14, which deals with the matter of judging others in areas of Christian liberty.
Why “both?” Both groups have legitimate emphases. Those who wish to dress up in honor of the Lord should feel free to do so; after all, we have a God who is worthy of respect and even fear (Isaiah 6:1–5; Revelation 1:12–17). Those who wish to dress casually should feel free to do so; after all, we have a God who calls us friends (John 15:14–15). As a Matt Redman song says so beautifully, there is a friendship and a fear to knowing the Lord, and we should desire both.
Let’s be careful not to adopt a pharisaical attitude toward those whose preference is different from ours. This applies to both sides of this “debate.” Casual dressers are not necessarily sloppy, disrespectful people. Up-dressers are not necessarily concerned with external displays rather than heart attitudes.
What is your practice with regard to dress at church services? Why have you chosen to dress as you have?
—Beau Stanley
Casual, I just feel more comfortable and myself.
This is a good subject to consider. As you say, many older people consider dress as respect for God (as though we must go to “church”) to be in His presence. “Church” is not a building but rather, a called out body of believers. However, many think of dressing appropriately to be in God’s presence (the “church” building.) The question has been asked, “Would you dress like that to meet the president?” Again, respect for position is in mind.
We must be very careful to judge other’s dress as a reflection of their relationship with God. By the way, that also applies to one’s preference to music in the “church.” Those abiding in Christ (John 15) are called the “Friends of Christ” and only God knows their relationship with Him. I have seen choir members singing contemporary, “7/11″ music with tears streaming down their faces out of love for God. Let’s “cut each other some slack” in dress and in music.
Gerry,
Thanks for reminding us of the importance of charity on these issues. I agree with you that there is a parallel between the issue of preferences of dress and the issue of preferences of music.