Dressin’ Up and Such

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I want to talk about something I am sure I know I have mentioned before. Some churches expect you to look and act a certain way. Now, I will agree that we need to be clean and dress in presentable clothing. I remember a particular story of a large family that started attending church and all the dad had to wear to church was bib overalls and button up shirts. His family was excited about their recent change in attending church. Well, on evening, one of the deacons in the church informed him he needed to dress up a bit more and leave his overalls at home the next time he came. That was years ago and that family never came back to that church.

It’s kind of like my articles. I was once lookin’ at a printed article and it stuck out like a tree in the panhandle that I should have used a question mark instead of a period. I use spell check, but it don’t catch it all. And it doesn’t like the y’all, ain’t or any word I chop the end off of words. Or ending a sentence with of. But I digress.

I’m sure some of y’all have heard something like, “You must be a certain way in order to attend ‘our’ church.” Now, understand, right now, I’m just talking about attendance.

At the “Church of All That And Then Some,” the dress code is suit and tie. And women are to wear a conservative dress modest in length with heels and such.

Now there are some churches that state casual attire. But when you show up at one of their casual meetin’s you find out they mean casual for some foreign dignitary.

And then there’s things said ‘bout how you’re supposed to conduct yourself at their church. Now, there are certain things common decency things none of us should do, like trimmin’ toenails in church. I’ve seen it! That just ain’t right!

Some folks have been rejected for the clothes they wear. Others are told to stay away because of where they’ve been or what they’ve done.

Others of you are rejected because cow stuff somehow got on the bottom of your boots. Or maybe you don’t read or write. Or maybe you drive a dirty ole’ pickup. Or maybe you’ve a tattoo that you wouldn’t have gotten had you known you might want to encounter folks that go to “church.”

But the Truth is: God doesn’t care about those things! I’ve never read in the Word where Jesus said to his disciples, “Clean up before you go share the gospel, you smell like fish.” But it may not be a bad idea. Now y’all don’t get me wrong, it’s important we have good behavior, take care of ourselves, and use good personal hygiene. But to judge someone who doesn’t have the best clothes?

Just for the record, if you want to wear a suit and tie, there’s nothin’ wrong with that either. But just make sure that when you do go to the church of your choice that you go wearin’ some clothes. Thanks!

Jesus, as He walked this earth, looked more like a carpenter than He did King of kings. We must remember that God’s not looking for those who look the part, but He’s looking for the those who will allow themselves to be used by Him to be who He calls us to be.

The boys that first followed Jesus mostly looked more like they should be puttin’ out their fishin’ nets than becoming disciples of the King!

1 John 1:9, If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Come to Jesus just like you are, and He’ll do the cleanin’ and the changin’!

Choose Jesus, choose life and let your light shine! And find a Bible believin’ church where you “fit in” and know, grow, and follow Christ! Tell others! See y’all at church and keep PRAYIN’ for HIS HARVEST! Pray for the rain! Amen.