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How Then Should We Dress?

Last week we saw God do many great things through our week of VBS. The atmosphere of our church was changed for an entire week. It was refreshing and joyous. One comment that was repeated quite often concerned the relaxed dress code.

When we kicked off VBS two weeks ago we decided that it would be fun to wear shorts and Hawaiian shirts to church that week. Due to the heat outside, we had an easy time getting people on board with this idea. More than one person commented that we should dress casual throughout the summer. This sparks a much bigger question.

Can Christians come to church in shorts and Hawaiian shirts? Well, that is a small question. But the bigger question is, “Does the Bible give instructions on how a Christian should dress?” The answer to that question is, yes!

From the very beginning God has called his children to lives of holiness. Part of modeling holiness is modesty. The very fact that we wear clothing is a reflection of our fallen nature and shame. Our bodies are to be covered, because God covered them after the fall.

How then are they to be covered? Again, modesty is the answer. Can we be modest and reverent and still wear shorts, Hawaiian shirts and flip flops? Sure. The robes the Apostles wore came down there legs about as far as most men’s shorts do and first century sandals and flip flops look a lot alike.

Most of our “church clothes” resemble cultural fashions more than biblical mandates. I want the people of Northside to reflect biblical modesty in their clothing. But please do not feel like you have to “dress up” for church. Wear something casual and comfortable, be yourself, do not worry about the opinions of others, and concentrate on the inner person more than the outer person.

I hope these thoughts help!

Pastor Mitch

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