How to Dress for Church

[Ben1445]

I am trying to understand your answer.

I agree Gid cares for His own, but I don't know that this care extends to giving them nice clothes so they can dress "properly".

It literally does. Jesus taught it.

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Same with those I mentioned who were living on the streets. They do take advantage if washers and showers when they can, but they have only what they can carry (in a backpack or sometimes a cart....a few had suitcase).

I am not saying all. There are always exceptions. In our area, there are people who refuse to shelter and cleanliness of the mission because they are looking for their own interests. They know that they are not allowed to bring alcohol or drugs into the mission. So they remain outside. They are not seeking the kingdom of God. They are hiding from it. Will God bless them and clothe them for it? The nearest I can find to the blessing of God on the unjust is that God gives them rain as He gives the just rain. With some work, they will be able to feed themselves. There may be other statements than this. It is just the only one that I can think of without looking.

I cannot say that it displeases God, or that is not His will, for these people to come to church and worship with fellow believers, or even to come seeking Christ, simply because their best clothes is not our best clothes.

Christ died for the homeless living on the streets just as much as He died for me. Many are struggling with drugs, many with mental issues, and many are simply poor.

My wife works in a public school and encounters homeless children, and children who only own a couple pairs of clothes. I believe the angels rejoice even when one of these are saved, even if they still remain poor and unable to purchase church clothes.

But I realize much of this is my own opinion. We just have to disagree where we disagree.

When people begin to live for God, God changes their desires. God gives them those things that they need. God puts them into His care.
Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

This statement was made because the people were taking care of others. They were seeking the kingdom of God.

When the prodigal returned home, he got new clothes. He was given nice clothes. He probably didn’t say that his father was not impressed by the clothes his father had given him. He probably wore them with appreciation.

 

[Salty]

I have been thinking about something. If someone in you church came regularly - and looked like a slob - would you be willing to take him
to a store and purchase a couple of outfits for him?

 

[JonC]

It literally does. Jesus taught it.

And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: ) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

I am not saying all. There are always exceptions. In our area, there are people who refuse to shelter and cleanliness of the mission because they are looking for their own interests. They know that they are not allowed to bring alcohol or drugs into the mission. So they remain outside. They are not seeking the kingdom of God. They are hiding from it. Will God bless them and clothe them for it? The nearest I can find to the blessing of God on the unjust is that God gives them rain as He gives the just rain. With some work, they will be able to feed themselves. There may be other statements than this. It is just the only one that I can think of without looking.

When people begin to live for God, God changes their desires. God gives them those things that they need. God puts them into His care.
Philippians 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

This statement was made because the people were taking care of others. They were seeking the kingdom of God.

When the prodigal returned home, he got new clothes. He was given nice clothes. He probably didn’t say that his father was not impressed by the clothes his father had given him. He probably wore them with appreciation.

I disagree with your interpretation of the passage. I do not believe the verse is saying that if you seek first the kingdom of God then God will give you nice suits.

Instead, if you seek first the kingdom of God you will realize that He provides for your needs. You may not have nice clothes but you will be clothed first and foremost in the righteousness of Christ.

God does not look at outward appearances. He does not see as man sees.

A problem with interpreting the passage as a type of prosperity gospel is it leads to false conclusions. If the truely faithful, those seeking first the kingdom of God, are given material wealth then those who are poor must be spiritually deprived. This is not right.

God supplies our needs, and our needs are in accordance with His plan. Where our heart is so also our treasure lies. We should not seek material wealth but to do His will.

 

[JonC]

I have been thinking about something. If someone in you church came regularly - and looked like a slob - would you be willing to take him
to a store and purchase a couple of outfits for him?

We have, not to a store but from clothing at the church. But so many are living hand to mouth. They do not have washing facilities avaliable on a daily basis. Many are literally living on the streets or sleeping on a cot as a shelter at night.