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It seems that dress codes have always been a source of controversy within societies and of course within the church. In most cases, popular culture drives the clothes that people wear, while dress codes attempt to monitor apparel by opinions of what is considered decent and moral.
The following dress code was recently posted by one of our local night clubs which boast of being the hottest honkey tonk in town.
• NO Sagging or Baggy Clothing
• NO Gym or Athletic Clothing
• NO Tank Tops or Undershirts
• NO Cutoffs or Sleeveless Shirts
• NO Sunglasses Worn Inside
• NO Skull Caps, Beanies, or Hoods
• NO Jerseys
• NO Pajamas or House Shoes
• NO White T-Shirts
• NO Dirty Clothing
• NO Bandanas
• NO Colors or Support Shirts
This dress code concluded with the following statement, “We are not the gym, Netflix, Chill or your bedroom. Dress and act accordingly!”
Dear Christians, if an establishment that offers drinking, dancing, and revelry, all of which God disapproves (1 Peter 4:3), can expect its patrons to dress and act in a decent manner, then surely, we can do better as the Lord’s people. We are to be modest and chaste in our appearance and behavior, especially when we come together to worship our Heavenly Father. What better lesson can we teach our children than that of dressing properly and respectfully when attending church services.
“In like manner also, that the women (and men) adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.” (1 Timothy 2:9–10)
Our clothing doesn’t have to be fancy, formal, or expensive, just as the old timers used to say, “Wear your best.”
Jay Launius
Maud Church of Christ
Maud, TX