Thou Shalt Not Wear Denim

There are many discussions about what is proper and not proper for one to wear to a church service as a member and/or as a leader. Over the last decade or so, many people have become aware that styles and patterns are changing when it comes to attire etiquette in the church. I will chime in with a simplistic answer without 40 paragraphs of theology and rhetoric.

For members and leadership alike I believe that one can be dressed nicely without having to wear a three piece suit. (Although three piece suits are nice.) For me, I can feel comfortable wearing khakis and a polo shirt or jeans with a blazer without feeling like a "what not to wear" church-fashion sinner.

There are some that feel like anything less then a suit and tie is not becoming of a minister or a pious christian. They would suggest that, "since we are meeting with the King of Kings, should you not dress your best for Him?" Another person has said that, "you would dress your best for a job interview wouldn't you?"

I feel comfortable in saying that if you feel you must dress up while in church you should do so. However, don't look upon or judge the intentions of anothers heart. (Matthew 7:1) Although the above statements make sense about dressing up for an important visit or event, God meets with me all the time and I don't need to feel like I am meeting with an important stranger. Since I meet with God sometimes while in my bed clothes or while I am lounging in "comfortable clothing," I don't think that dressing up to meet him at church is going to impress Him. He sees me as I am, on the inside and out!

I believe that we must practice modesty that will not detract from anothers worship, but if we are only focused on what everyone else is wearing, are we not at church for the wrong motives?

As our culture changes and more and more people have not been "brought up in the church," I believe that we must create an atmosphere that is both warm, friendly, comfortable, and non-judgemental, without lowering standards of modesty.


"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Jesus Speaks in the Shower

Recently, I attended a Ministers Enrichment  conference that was inspiring and challenging. The worship/praise time was passionate, the keynote speaker was engaging, and the free time golf tournament was hilariously refreshing. However, even though I took more notes at this conference then any prior one I attended, the most profound yet simple statement was pressed upon me while I was in the shower.

I know how it may sound.. The God of the Universe, The Great "I AM," The Alpha and Omega, The LAmb of God showed up and spoke with you in the shower. Yeah Right!

Ok, Jesus didn't appear in my bar of soap and start speaking, but the Holy Spirit pressed upon my spirit what I believe I have been missing and what I believe so many of us have missed in ministry.

He said, "Rob, it's about People, not Performance."

Jesus says in Matthew 4:19 "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." He doesn't say "follow me and I will make you a well-liked, edgy, middle class, run of the mill pastor that can preach a three point sermon with well thought out illustrations." Ouch!

Jesus has called us to go into a world full of people that can be hostile, backstabbing, ungrateful, unloving, uncaring, full of darkness, and downright annoying...however,

Jesus came and died for "People."

How much is your fellowmans soul worth to you??

Let us go fishing for what the Lord has considered the most precious thing in the universe...

Greetings!

I have started this blog to write about practical and simple application of the Bible to our lives today. I wanted to have an avenue to express my thoughts and impressions that the Holy Spirit has been giving to me. I pray that you are encouraged as you see the simplicity of Jesus lived out in my daily walk with Him.

"Teach me, Lord, the meaning of Your statutes, and I will keep them. Help me understand Your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all of my heart." Psalm 119: 33-34