Wait, is it still a thing? I thought the debate about what to wear to church ended long ago.
That’s true. Believers no longer argue about what they should wear to church. It’s 2022 and thus a much more relaxed approach where people wear whatever they want to. And, that’s where the problem lies.
First, let me frame an example for you.
Suppose you are a guy and going to the church on Sundays always brings you happiness. One fine Sunday, you are walking up a flight of steps to the church when you see two young girls sitting on the stairs in a very immodest way in mini skirts, revealing far more than they knew. I’m sure it’ll be difficult for you and all the other boys that’ll be going up those stairs. The same day, as you walk up to the altar for the Holy Communion, a woman bends over with the plate of bread and you are instantly greeted by the view of her low-cut blouse and thus have to avert your eyes.
You don’t need a specific dress code at the church but it’s also obvious that some type of clothing should not be worn at the church. And, I’m sure that God is clear about this clothing issue.
I’m not asking you to wear sandals and a large, long tunic and robe, tightened together with a sash, like how Jesus used to. And, if you turn to the Bible, you are not going to find words like “skinny jeans” and “blazers.” But, I truly believe that the Bible does recognize the importance of church dress code. Since clothing is not a major doctrine, it won’t be defined as significant as the Trinity, Jesus’ resurrection or Judgment Day. However, if you read the Bible thoroughly, you’ll find that it addresses what we should wear in worship.
“Sunday Best”
This famous idiom comes from an era when people used to keep their finest clothes for Sunday prayer meetings.
Growing up in a Christian home, I’ve basically learned that you should always dress in your nice clothes on Sundays. If you are not going to wear a cute sundress or an elegant tie, it doesn’t mean you are going to end up in the eternal fiery pit of hell. I was just taught that you have to be in your best clothes because God deserves the best. You are to wear the most beautiful clothing you have only to honor God.
The words “best clothing” isn’t based on the cost of your clothes or the formality of them. Your “Sunday Best” could be casual jeans and a t-shirt while mine is a three-piece suit.
There are no Biblical standards for the “best clothing” but it’s about wearing what you think is the best to meet your King.
Modesty Is Everything
The COVID-19 may have urged women to cover their faces with a mask but not their bodies. One thing is clear; I’ve seen more revealing clothes worn by some women in the church than in fashion shows. And, it’s a shame to say this.
When it comes to clothing, I don’t want Christian women to live under hard-and-fast rules because we ought to live under the grace and not the law. However, some don’t have a clue about the harm they are causing with their clothing.
A Christian woman goes to the church to praise and worship God, and not to offer some skin parade, as what we often see today.
Remember 1 Peter 3: 2-5:
“…when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves…”