There is a growing fad among people today to "dress down". Corporate offices are getting into the swing of things by telling their employees to lighten up on the formal clothing of suits and ties, dresses and pumps.

Everywhere you go you can witness this concept being adopted by schools, banks, department stores, and huge corporations. The saddest summary of all the latest trends toward dressing down is that it has bled over into the assembly of Christians to worship. More and more I am seeing people coming to worship in their old blue jeans, t-shirts with some type of advertising on them, and ratty old tennis shoes or flip-flops. I have seen young teenage girls wearing capri pants that are so tight, it leaves nothing for the imagination. I have seen young ladies come to worship in spaghetti strap tops and revealing blouses that are nothing more than a tease for the boys and a major distraction of the same! It looks like theses folks were playing in the park or working in the garage and just got in their car and came to worship. And everyone else is just supposed to be glad that they made it. Quite frankly, this attitude is offensive to me as a Christian.

It amazes me that these same people will be invited to a wedding and will plan with determined effort as to what they will wear. They go through their closet and pick the dress that will look the best at such a function or a young man may put on his slacks and a nice shirt in order to attend. Parents will often see to it that their children are dressed in etiquette style when attending something as important as a wedding. When a loved one dies, most people put on their best in respect to the family and the deceased. I have preached many funerals over the past 14 years and I have never seen a person come to a funeral dressed in old blue jeans and a t-shirt! I have heard of young Christian teenagers who are wanting to go to a prom (which I believe to be sinful), and search for months to find the right dress. Yet, when it comes to the worship of our Lord and Creator of all things, dress like their going to the flea market on Saturday morning! Dear reader, this attitude is wrong and sinful, and furthermore, will cost you your soul if not repented of. I am afraid we have 1st rate enthusiasm for 2nd rate causes . We are too busy trying to accommodate the world which will perish and not paying enough attention to our souls and relationship with the Father in heaven.

This is not a clothing issue, per se. It is an attitude issue. Some will argue that there are people in Africa who do not wear shoes to worship or people in the states that wear nothing but overalls. But the fact that is being missed is that these folks are wearing their best. Their attitude while preparing to assemble to worship is to wear their best. God has always expected the first fruits since the beginning of time. Why should we think that in our present culture God expects less of his children ? I've known lawyers who wear suits daily into the court room because of policy, but will show up to worship in whatever they could find to throw on. This attitude is wrong and needs to be evaluated. When they are standing before a judge they are expected to be wearing their best, but when they come before their Creator they somehow justify dressing down and that the Eternal Judge will surely understand. The truth is that God does understand. He knows the hearts of all people and he knows that when you justify dressing down to attend worship and dress up for worldly functions, your heart is not right!

May I also suggest that this is not a California issue. Recently, I attended a gospel meeting in Arkansas where I saw a grown man wearing Bermuda shorts and flip- flops. This is a societal issue! People are placating to the trends of our society at tremendous proportions and it is becoming more difficult with the passing time to stem the tide. Some local churches of Christ are now encouraging their members to "come as you are".

It remains to be seen what these folks are dressed in when they come. And if something is said about such laid back attire the response is that the brethren are now trying to create a dress code. It is a mentality of making worship convenient for the worshiper instead of coming to the altar of worship in awe and respect for the great God of heaven offering my best in every way possible.

Being a slob is not acceptable and certainly not in the worship of our Lord. Young men need to take their hats off when entering the building and show the proper courtesies toward women and others. Young women need to quit dressing like the boys and present yourself as a dignified and respectable person. Don't let contemporary thinkers persuade your better judgement in how you present yourself before men and God. Put forth your best in all things and be respected for who you are, not pitied for what you have become.