There are many reasons to dress up. Weddings, funerals, events involving dignitaries, special dinner engagements, job interviews, and other formal functions are a few. Generally it is done as an expression of respect for either those hosting or their positions in society. Often it is done to put our best foot forward so to speak.
Although more and more people no longer take the time to dress appropriately at funerals and weddings, it is still done regularly. The more important an occasion is to us, the more likely we dress better out of respect for the tradition of the event or the people involved. Yet in the church it is a different matter. Casual seems to have become the accepted normal.
Just as in secular situations, dress indicates a certain level of respect and in the case of church it is no different. If the ultimate authority and dignitary is Jesus Christ himself and the church is gathered to worship and praise Him, then how is it casual dress is so easily accepted? Somehow, there is more respect for political fund raisers, weddings, and funerals than there is for God. It isn’t that dressing up is somehow required to go to church, it’s more that it is an expression of the respect due Him. This simple act dressing up some is an outward expression and acknowledgement of His position and authority. It shows awareness of His holiness and our humility. Our dress becomes a form and part of our worship as it indicates we recognize Him as almighty God.
Casual dress doesn’t do that. In fact, it indicates a casual nature towards our God. This behavior leads to casual music and a casual faith. Not a real faith but a shallow expression of just doing the basics and that it really doesn’t matter how we present ourselves. Is that an attitude of reverence and worship? If we cannot take the time to clean up a little, then what does it say about how we see God?
Make no mistake, however, God doesn’t judge us on appearance and one who simply can’t afford any better should never be made to feel as though they do not belong. The issue isn’t dress itself though, its attitude. Our dress is the outward expression of our attitude towards God and if we truly believe he is God, it should not be so casual. Wearing what you would to the ball game when your going to church to worship God should seem wrong. Churches would do well to teach congregants these lost basic principals so an attitude of reverence can be restored.