Is it important to "dress up" for church?

[Aaron]

You're ignoring that the Bible implies Jesus' clothing was inherently valuable because it was seamless, made of one peace of material. And, your comparison with Al Capone's hats practically contradicts your own argument. Al Capone didn't wear old baseball caps. He ware nice leather hats. And a hat itself is an example of something used when people want to dress up. Al Capone's hats had value, even apart from Al Capone.

I doubt the soldiers would have cared about Jesus' clothing for celebrity value. Unless Jesus was wearing something truly valuable because of its obvious uniqueness and quality, the soldiers couldn't have profited from it because no one would believe it was really Jesus' clothing. I'd have to have serious brain damage to think "Hey bud, these common blue jeans were worn by Jesus. They're yours for $500" could be a thing.

Jesus wasn't a halfwit who couldn't appreciate the importance of dress. Jesus wasn't a jerk running around showing no respect, in his dress, for those around him.

Capone wore an old straw boater, too.

But, no, the Bible implies no such thing ... that Christ's clothes were valuable. That's just your brain farting.

On the contrary, it's implied that His clothing was unremarkable, and lowly.

 

[Shoostie]

Capone wore an old straw boater, too.

But, no, the Bible implies no such thing ... that Christ's clothes were valuable. That's just your brain farting.

On the contrary, it's implied that His clothing was unremarkable, and lowly.

Even the boaters that Capone owned were high-end products. The soldiers still could't have sold something that was otherwise worthless if they couldn't prove it belonged to Jesus, and they wouldn't be able to do that with proverbial old blue jeans. And, you just go totally off the deep end when you say it's implied Jesus' clothing was unremarkable, when the Bible remarks on it. How is a seamless garment lowly? Do you think something stitched to together from textile scraps would sell for more? Give it up.

 

[Aaron]

Even the boaters that Capone owned were high-end products. The soldiers still could't have sold something that was otherwise worthless if they couldn't prove it belonged to Jesus, and they wouldn't be able to do that with proverbial old blue jeans. And, you just go totally off the deep end when you say it's implied Jesus' clothing was unremarkable, when the Bible remarks on it. How is a seamless garment lowly? Do you think something stitched to together from textile scraps would sell for more? Give it up.

Something stitched together would be tailored, and that would be status indeed.

No, my presumptuous, gaseous friend. Something woven in one piece, like a sweater or a tabbard or, in this case, a robe, was generic and run-of-the-mill, and would probably serve men in a range of sizes.

They had to dress Him up to mock Him.

 

[atpollard]

I think the discussion about how Jesus was dressed is more than a little off the fairway and into the weeds. The topic is how to dress for Church, not what to wear to your crucifixion. If we are really going to attempt to argue that Jesus crucifixion attire should set the standard for church attire ... he accessorized his robe and undergarment with a crown of thorns.

Should we be adding a barbed wire band to the inside of our hats?

 

[tyndale1946]

I think the discussion about how Jesus was dressed is more than a little off the fairway and into the weeds. The topic is how to dress for Church, not what to wear to your crucifixion. If we are really going to attempt to argue that Jesus crucifixion attire should set the standard for church attire ... he accessorized his robe and undergarment with a crown of thorns.

Should we be adding a barbed wire band to the inside of our hats?

Well I do know one thing of all the clothes you can wear to church, I will pass on the robe... Don't want to be mistaken for a Jedi... Brother Glen

 

[Salty]

In the Army we were taught - "look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp!"
On a Personal basis - I am more effective when I wear a coat and tie
unless, I am doing some manual labor.
In addition, we are worshiping the King. If you were going to meet President Obama or President Trump - what would you wear?
Many will say they dress down - so other wont feel bad about coming to church in casual clothes. However, should we not encourage others to raise standards.

 

[Zenas]

Do you wear a tuxedo to church? Did you to your wedding (if you had one), or as part of the wedding party? If you did, are you giving greater respect to the couple than to God? Besides, if anyone has a tuxedo and does not wear it to church, is he holding back from giving his very best to the King of Kings?

That's a good thought. I don't have a tuxedo but I can easily afford to get one so maybe I should. I have several suits and a number of sport coats but I always choose a suit for church because it is nicer.

 

[Dave G]

Sorry, I can't go along with such anti-intellectual, contemptible nonsense. None of the soldiers said to each other "Let's draw lots because prophesy says we'll do it."

But that is what the Scripture says, and that is why I posted it...they did it so that the Scripture would be fulfilled.
If you don't agree, then I respect that, but those are the words.

Because you have capacity for respect, so you dress without respect for your brothers and sisters (you couldn't even confirm that you'd dress up for one of their weddings, even after they spend thousands of dollars on decorating their venue and dressing nice themselves). Because you go to church for the wrong reason, to hang out with your "brothers and sisters" rather than to worship God? Because you don't understand the function of clothing, so you dress only to conform to secular society's minimum standards to shop at Walmart?

You asked, and I don't make a practice of telling white lies.

What happens if my poor brother or sister can't afford to "keep up with the Joneses"?
Do I require him or her to dress in a legalistic manner ( everyone suit and tie ), just to come and assemble with us?

I think not, sir.

Again, as Christ's sheep we've no one to impress.
We're poor sinners saved by the remarkable and gracious mercy of the living God.
We've nothing to stand on except that.

For fellowship, I advocate clean clothes... not coming to an assembly fresh from the fields or the mud... but anything more than that puts a burden on my brothers and sisters to meet a standard that, frankly, should not even exist.

On a side note:

My belief is that most of today's churches are focused more on "pomp and circumstance" than they are at following the Lord and believing His words.
They make requirements and charge money just to get together for the really important stuff...building one another up in the faith and glorifying God for His grace and mercy.


The reality of it is this:
I don't necessarily care what they are wearing, as long as they are there for instruction in God's word, and being encouraged through their trials and tribulations in this life.

To me, believers should dress in a godly manner ( especially the women, as men are wired for the visual ), but as I see it, they should not be overly-occupied with pleasing people as much as they should with pleasing the Lord through their obedience to His word and their efforts at walking worthy of their calling and election.

So, suit and tie are optional, at best.
Good clean clothes that don't draw over much attention to ones' self would be the best, and far preferable to requiring dress clothes that not everyone may or may not be able to afford.
Dressing plainly and conservatively is dressing in a godly manner.
Over-dressing draws people's attention to ourselves and what we have in the way of earthly goods and I'd rather not do that.


Now, without seeming too judgmental...
I'm surprised that this thread was even started...but I suppose it had to be, just to get a consensus of opinion on the subject.

At the end of the day, my understanding of God's word on the matter is:
Dress in a godly manner, especially if one is out in public...when working, dress for the occasion, whatever it requires.
If the readers here don't know what that is, I'm not sure I should be the one to tell you.

To me it should be obvious.


Again, may the Lord bless you richly and show you many truths through His precious word.

 

[Alcott]

That's a good thought. I don't have a tuxedo but I can easily afford to get one so maybe I should. I have several suits and a number of sport coats but I always choose a suit for church because it is nicer.

It would seem you definitely should get one. Why would you dare to wear a plain, nice suit when you could go formal before God? In the meantime, you better wear the very best of the suits you have, or you ain't giving him your very best! And be sure it's cleaned every week, too!

 

[Dave G]

On the contrary, it's implied that His clothing was unremarkable, and lowly.

Amen.
As was the Person wearing them...

" For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." ( Isaiah 53:2-3 ).

In modern English...

He wasn't handsome, and His clothes were that of the common man...robes and whatever footwear was the norm.
Despised by men who hid themselves, in their hearts, from Him.
But while He is the poorest Man who ever lived, He is also the richest Man who ever lived.

He is the Son of God, who is richer than any man, including Solomon...
For where did Solomon get his wealth?
See 1 Kings 3:5-15.
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and is the Creator of all that we see.

But during His time here ( the first time ), Jesus didn't even have a place to lay His head ( Matthew 8:20 ), unless it was given to Him.
He had no money, but asked Peter to go to the sea, throw in a line and pull in a fish that...
Had a coin in its mouth so that He could pay His taxes with it ( Matthew 17:27 ).

What's more, the keeper of the bag was a thief.
He stole from a poor Man who had nothing in this world.
Judas stole from the Son of God, who relied on His Father for even the clothes on His back.

So, who am I that I should "require" my brothers and sisters to dress up, just to see me?
Nobody.

To pay "tithes" just to enter into a building and gather under one roof, so we can glorify God together?
Nobody.

 

[Yeshua1]

Amen.
As was the Person wearing them...

" For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, [there is] no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were [our] faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not." ( Isaiah 53:2-3 ).

In modern English...

He wasn't handsome, and His clothes were that of the common man...robes and whatever footwear was the norm.
Despised by men who hid themselves, in their hearts, from Him.
But while He is the poorest Man who ever lived, He is also the richest Man who ever lived.

He is the Son of God, who is richer than any man, including Solomon...
For where did Solomon get his wealth?
See 1 Kings 3:5-15.
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and is the Creator of all that we see.

But during His time here ( the first time ), Jesus didn't even have a place to lay His head ( Matthew 8:20 ), unless it was given to Him.
He had no money, but asked Peter to go to the sea, throw in a line and pull in a fish that...
Had a coin in its mouth so that He could pay His taxes with it ( Matthew 17:27 ).

What's more, the keeper of the bag was a thief.
He stole from a poor Man who had nothing in this world.
Judas stole from the Son of God, who relied on His Father for even the clothes on His back.

So, who am I that I should "require" my brothers and sisters to dress up, just to see me?
Nobody.

To pay "tithes" just to enter into a building and gather under one roof, so we can glorify God together?
Nobody.

That being said...
if the King was showing up, would we not want to be on our best affordable look?

 

[Jerome]

Jesus was wearing something truly valuable because of its obvious uniqueness and quality

That's just your brain farting. On the contrary, it's implied that His clothing was unremarkable, and lowly.

Amen....His clothes were that of the common man...robes and whatever footwear was the norm. Despised by men...

Founders.org ❧ John 19 Bible Study

Tom Nettles: "they came to...the tunic. Recognizing its exquisite construction, they decided to cast lots for one of them to have sole possession and preserve its unique quality. The robe, to them was worth more than the man. He was torn and battered but his robe must remain in tact [sic]."

 

[Calminian]

What about the financially comfortable guy that shows up dressed like a slob?

For me, it's more of a societal downgrade, and not a church issue.

Yeah, I don't think Paul's quote applies to this issue. He was speaking of not judging a poor Christians who didn't have the cool threads or the cool ride.

The rich kid coming in cutoffs and flip flops? Dunno. Something wrong there. But I'll admit, I've not made a great case yet. This one may still be in Romans 14 territory. I do think it's commendable, though, those who dress in their best on Sunday.

 

[Yeshua1]

Yeah, I don't think Paul's quote applies to this issue. He was speaking of not judging a poor Christians who didn't have the cool threads or the cool ride.

The rich kid coming in cutoffs and flip flops? Dunno. Something wrong there. But I'll admit, I've not made a great case yet. This one may still be in Romans 14 territory. I do think it's commendable, though, those who dress in their best on Sunday.

Dress in the best that you can afford, as someone in a suit cannot look down on those in blue jeans, if that is all they can afford!

 

[Calminian]

Dress in the best that you can afford, as someone in a suit cannot look down on those in blue jeans, if that is all they can afford!

So I have to admit, while I dress nice for church, I'm often in jeans. Nice shirt, nice shoes (something even nice socks), but jeans. I guess this is where it becomes mirky.

 

[Yeshua1]

So I have to admit, while I dress nice for church, I'm often in jeans. Nice shirt, nice shoes (something even nice socks), but jeans. I guess this is where it becomes mirky.

We have many in Church who look great on outside, but not so hot on their inside!

 

[InTheLight]

My belief is that most of today's churches are focused more on "pomp and circumstance" than they are at following the Lord and believing His words.
They make requirements and charge money just to get together for the really important stuff...building one another up in the faith and glorifying God for His grace and mercy.


The reality of it is this:
I don't necessarily care what they are wearing, as long as they are there for instruction in God's word, and being encouraged through their trials and tribulations in this life.

To me, believers should dress in a godly manner ( especially the women, as men are wired for the visual ), but as I see it, they should not be overly-occupied with pleasing people as much as they should with pleasing the Lord through their obedience to His word and their efforts at walking worthy of their calling and election.

So, suit and tie are optional, at best.
Good clean clothes that don't draw over much attention to ones' self would be the best, and far preferable to requiring dress clothes that not everyone may or may not be able to afford.
Dressing plainly and conservatively is dressing in a godly manner.
Over-dressing draws people's attention to ourselves and what we have in the way of earthly goods and I'd rather not do that.

Ladies and gentlemen: Here we have a man that hasn't been to church in years (decades?) pontificating as an expert on their motivations for holding services and commenting on proper behavior for attendees.. Quite ironic.



Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Dave G]

That being said...
if the King was showing up, would we not want to be on our best affordable look?

Dave,
I keep trying to tell you that, to Him, it doesn't matter what we look like.
It matters that we are His brothers and sisters and that we gather together under one roof to glorify Him for His suffering for us on the cross.

To me, it's a man-made contrivance to require people to dress up to go and assemble together for edification and to glorify God for saving them...which is all that assembling together should consist of.
"Church" as we know it, did not start out that way... so why all the tradition and stuff that has developed in the past 2,000 years?

Apologies in advance for the way I'm coming across, but...
Does this seem alien to your way of thinking?

To me, it's not right to put expectations on my brothers and sisters that He didn't do when He was here the first time.
His disciples all walked around with Him wearing nothing but normal and everyday street clothes.

They did not dress up for Him.

 

[Reformed1689]

Do you own research and get back to me when you can reply with more than a single word.

Yeah, usually the person making the claim is the one who has to back it up...

 

[Reformed1689]

Your expressed concern for the poor is disingenuous. Slobs in church dress that way because they're #1 irreverent or because they're #2 stupid (they don't understand the function of dress).

Simply not true. And this post is disgusting.