Our worship assembly serves two basic purposes: (1) To offer up our worship and praise to the God of 0 glory (cf. Heb. 13:15), and (2) To encourage and exhort one another in right things (Heb. 10:24-25). It is not hard to understand, given the serious nature of these things, the importance of developing and maintaining correct attitudes toward all aspects of the assembly. It is in this context that questions and concerns often arise regarding how the Christian should dress for the worship assembly.

While we understand that worship is not to be approached with an emphasis upon appearances (cf. Matt. 6:5; 23:5), it must he admitted that the environment in which it takes place can greatly contribute to as well as diminish from the overall disposition of the worship service. It must also be acknowledged that there is a sense in which the appearance of the worshipers can have an effect on the quality of the worship service. There are various modes of dress which can cause distractions to people who are sincerely trying to worship God as the Bible directs (cf. John 4:24).

With these things in mind, let us consider some guidelines which can help shape our attitudes and behavior in this area.

Avoid Extremes. There are extreme views on the subject. At one end is the idea that everyone ought to be required to wear dress suits to every worship service. While this is certainly desirable from the standpoint of doing our best for God (particularly where leading in public worship is concerned), it is not entirely practical. It must be kept in mind that not everyone can afford fine clothing. Moreover, visitors and potential visitors to our services might be made to feel uncomfortable if too great an emphasis is placed upon apparel, particularly if they themselves cannot afford the nicer clothing. At the other extreme is the notion that God is not concerned with the quality of what we bring to worship. In accordance with this line of thinking, many brethren have nice clothes, yet will dress in a sloppy and careless manner to worship while they would not do the same when attending a funeral or a banquet (cf. Mal. 1:7-8). Certainly, these extremes should be recognized and avoided.

Dress Modestly and Decently. One of the primary considerations for proper dress in the worship assembly is modesty. It is in this area that manifold distractions can occur, taking one's mind away from the purposes for which he has come to services. In 1 Timothy 2:8-10, in the context of worship, Paul exhorts both men and women to exhibit a holy demeanor. In particular, women are instructed to adorn themselves in modest apparel. Both extravagance and skimpiness should be avoided by men and women alike. Women would be well advised to keep in mind that men are prone to be naturally distracted by the sight of a woman's body. Therefore, attention should be given to such matters as length, fit, and cut, so as "not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in another's way (Romans 14:13, cf. v.7).

Along these lines, it is also needful to consider other problems associated with clothing. For instance, it is becoming more and more popular to wear clothes which advertise certain products. Is it really a good idea to appear for worship wearing a T-shirt with the logo of some brewery or tobacco company emblazoned across it? Often the person wearing such clothing would never endorse the purchase or use of the products represented, so why advertise them, especially in a worship assembly where thoughts of such things should be farthest from our minds? As a general rule in the worship assembly, styles and quantities of clothing should be worn which will not take a person's mind off of God and onto some other person.

May we never forget that worship is spiritual, and we should attempt to provide an environment for worship which will accommodate, and not hinder, spiritual thoughts. This environment will most certainly include the way we dress.

Ladies Luncheon
The monthly second Sunday Ladies Luncheon and Devotional series will resume on Monday, August 11, in the annex at 11:30 AM. The topic will be "God In Control Of What I Say". Anyone needing a study sheet should see Sandy Callender.

Bible Bowl Shirts
If you have not picked up your Bible Bowl t-shirt, they are in the Bible Lab. If you did not order a t-shirt but would still like to have one, please see Gina Greene or Trudi Chambers. Bible Bowl is in two weeks.

Proverb 31:10
" Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies".
Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal; for her cheerfulness is an aid to mental and physical digestion.

Don’t Forget the Weekly Prayer Meeting in classroom #3, Sundays at 5:30 p.m.