A generation ago it was common that Sunday was the day that you put on your “Sunday Best.”  Your common clothes would not do, and you had to be just so.

Today, “just as I am” is more than a song of invitation, it’s extent of the thought that some put into what they’ll wear.  Even those that preach the Word are finding how much they can get away with not dressing in a shirt and tie.

Sometime in the past generation, the emphasis was placed on the love of God and, I believe, in attempt to appeal to more people the church decided it had to make church appeal to the masses.

Now, it’s gotten to the point that some believe that those that would dress up—wear a skirt or a tie—are legalistic.

Just like some can view those that choose to be modest as legalistic (and some are, don’t get me wrong), most of the time it comes from a heart that desires to please God rather than a desire to submit to a series of rules.

Why I Dress Up

You see, if I were just going to a social club I’d have no problem going casual.  When I go to work, I am asked to dress business casual.  If I were to go visit the President of the United States, I’d wear a suit.  So, why is it ok for me to go to a house of worship to worship the King of Kings dressed in the same clothes I would wear to do housework?

If the whole point of going to church is to worship God, how we dress should reflect it.  In times past people had to bring their best sacrifice to the temple.  They had to bring their best clothing to the temple.  They feared God.

I understand that God loves us as we are.  I understand that I can pray and worship God wherever I am and whatever I’m dressed in.  However, this hasn’t changed from the Old Testament. God has always been there, and yet when people are joining together for the express purpose of worship, why should they decide to dress down for it?

I dress up because I always have—it’s a way I show respect for the Lord—and because it helps to keep my mind focus on things above.  How about you?

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Post tags: Christianity, church, clothing, dress, jeans, Old Testament, sneakers, suit, t-shirt, tie

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – What is that on his coat?  Did he make it and then have felt images of it attached?  I would say modest, but I’m going mostly modest because of the attention that jacket would draw!

Erin – Interesting coat and shoes…But modest.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: attention, clothing, coat, Felt, Footwear, hat, jacket, Shopping, sneakers, suit, tie

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – Another guy that has it easy—yes.

Erin – No problems with the modesty, but sweatpants in public?? Yikes.

Your Turn…

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Post tags: jeans, shirt, sneakers

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – Yes, seems to be a good ensemble, thought the shirt might be tight under the scarf.  Can’t tell!

Erin – Not bad. Too wild in my opinion, and kind of sloppy though.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: jeans, scarf, sneakers

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – Yes.  White pants are a little attention getting, but not immodest.

Rachel – Modest and classy.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: blazer, pants, sneakers, tie

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – Yes.  Distracting, yes, but modest.

Rachel – Modest, although I’m not a fan of the "camo punk" look.  Again, too easy for guys!

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: camo, shirt, sneakers

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – Mostly Modest.  Here’s where I have trouble separating sloppy from modest.  I don’t consider it modest to draw attention to the fact that one has the inability to tuck one’s shirt in.

Rachel – Yes, very modest, although the shirt hanging out the bottom looks a little sloppy.  Guys have it so easy!

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: jeans, shirt, sneakers, sweater, tie

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(Sun photo by Andre F. Chung / September 27, 2007)

Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – No.  The pants are too tight.  The shirt’s otherwise ok.

Erin - I think the shirt is probably ok, but the cutoffs are much too tight unless the shirt was a lot longer.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: pants, shirt, sneakers, sunglasses

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap – Yes. The girl’s pants go all the way up to her top, but that’s not immodest. The guy is a little bit flashy, so in a "draws attraction" way he’s probably not, but there’s nothing overtly sexual here.

Your turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: pants, sneakers, suit

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Is This Modest?

MInTheGap -  His jeans are a bit too tight.  His sneakers are white with black pants?  Style problem or modesty?  The jeans make me think borderline.

Your Turn…

[ratings]

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Post tags: blazer, jeans, sneakers

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