What not to wear

Some people insist that we should dress up for church. They use an argument that says 'but you would dress up if you were going to see the Queen'. I think that this is nonsense for a number of reasons.

First of all it is inconsistent. We don't just meet with God when we go to church, we live in his presence. Indeed we approach his throne of grace regularly in prayer. Do those who say that we have to dress up for church dress up for their quiet time?

Then there is the fact that our relationship with God is very different from that with the Queen. He is God Almighty but he is also our Father. The way to show respect to fathers is not to dress up for them but to listen to them and obey them.

Finally, dressing up for church can be dangerous. We could make those who are not dressed up feel unwelcome.

I have three suggestions for how we should dress for church:

1. Don't be extravagant! Church is not the right place for a fashion parade. Clothes cost money and not everyone can afford fancy outfits.

2. Don't dress sexy! You might look hot dressed like that but might you be tempting a brother or sister towards impurity?

3. Don't be too cool! By this I mean don't dress simply to project a desired image. Be you, because if you are trying to be something else you won't be open to be known. Wearing a suit might be you or wearing trainers might be you (or wearing a suit and trainers might be you) but don't dress to be someone you are not.

In short let's love God with our hearts and be loving to others in how we dress.