WHAT IS ‘SUNDAY BEST’?

Most of us adults can remember when almost everyone who attended church came in what might have been called their “Sunday best" – the best clothing they had. For men it included a tie and coat and polished shoes. For the ladies it was their most attractive dress.

How times have changed. Now, in most churches, one can see just about any type of clothing available, and in some cases very little. In many churches one will never see a tie or coat, at least in the summer.

The rationale is two-pronged: (1) God does not care what we wear; He sees the heart not the body. (2) This is the best way to get the average person out there to come to church; if 'dress up' is required, they won't come. There is truth in both thoughts.

But there are some other factors that perhaps ought to be considered. (1) If there is no sense at all of what is considered decent dress, then some will come in what even the average person would judge to be improper. If a sense of reverence in the presence of God is judged desirable, then there will be some whose attire will obviously detract. The casualness which permits, or even suggests, tanned legs sporting short-shorts or mini-skirts, tiny tank tops and low cut blouses is not calculated to promote reverence. Such views will turn some men's thoughts from anything else, even in church.

(2) God's Word clearly teaches that we are to give God our best at all times. "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God" (I Cor. 10:31-32). To "do all to the glory of God" surely involves some standard. Who sets that standard? Who determines what is your best? It is not the preacher or the church; it is not God. Only you can make that decision. You can argue, if you will, that God does not care – it does not matter to Him what you wear. But if it takes your best to give glory to God, only you can determine what that "best" is. If you were going to wear your "best" to visit the Governor, would it be sandals, shorts, and a tee shirt?

(3) Admittedly, one can reconcile nice, casual clothes with the desire to honor God. Just be fully comfortable in God's presence.

[Reprinted from the October 2005 issue of The Watchman. M. O. Owens editor. Subscriptions are free, but donations are needed. Owens Ministries, Inc.; P.O. Box 2066; Gastonia, NC 29053.]