How Should We Dress For Public Worship?
Tim Forlines

Our worship assembly serves two basic purposes: (1) To offer up -our worship and praise to the God of 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.

Our hearts go out in deepest sympathy to the family and friends of sister Estelle Nance who passed away late last Sunday evening (Oct 15). Funeral services were held on Thursday here at Orange Street. Sister Nance was a member here for many many years and will be missed.

Ladies Work Group
The Ladies Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow (Monday) evening at 7:00 pm in the Ladies Work Room. All our ladies are invited to attend and participate.

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Daylight Savings Time Ends
Remember that Daylight Savings Time ends NEXT Sunday (29th), so set your clocks BACK one hour next Saturday night or you will be an hour early for services on Sunday morning.

In the kingdom of the Lord, it is the little things that really count. The warm handshake that communicates approval or full hearted acceptance. The hand on the shoulder that spells out silent, meaningful encouragement. It is the absence of all these "little things" which causes one to fall by the wayside convinced that no one really cares.