The "dress code" is essential...
 

so that people will know you're a Christian?

I think I've disproved that theory. :)


I recently got a new job. I no longer follow the Pentecostal 'dress code' and haven't since I've worked there. I honestly was curious if it would prove to be true that no one would know I was a Christian, or "different", without the "separateness" of the dress code.

I'm not the preachy type. I'm not the type to go around telling everyone I'm a Christian. I just try to be friendly, courteous, considerate and do a good job. If asked what I'm doing this weekend I might say something like - "Oh, we have a carnival at church we're working on", or something like that, but other than that the subject of whether or not I'm a Christian hasn't come up.

A few weeks ago, one of the ladies I work with stopped mid-sentence and apologized to me for saying a curse word. I probably looked at her funny because it surprised me. She said - "I'm so sorry, I try not to cuss around you, but it keeps slipping out!" She said - "I know you're a church-goer, and I don't mean to talk like that around you." I was actually quite stunned because most of the people we work with go to church... and most of them cuss. :D

About a week later I was in the file room and another woman dropped a box and said something under her breath. She popped up and said - "I didn't cuss!! I'd be so embarrassed if I cussed around you!" :D Again I was surprised. I really had not known at all that anyone noticed anything different about me.

Apparently a light can shine through even without the dress code. ;) And I don't say that arrogantly, I say it very humbly and gratefully. Grateful that God lets his light shine through me. Grateful that his Spirit is strong enough to shine through even through our fumbling and stumbling.

I'm just posting this because it's something I honestly wondered about, and was a little concerned about. I'd heard it so often that the dress code was necessary so that people would know you were different. I am truly grateful to learn that that wasn't true.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

His light shines through us from within, not from without. Years ago I saw a man walking down the street and I could tell he was a preacher. He was, a Baptist preacher. And he wasn't wearing a suit and tie, but God's light just shone from him.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

AQP - you are so right!

This has happened to me numerous times at work and still does. Being Christ-like has nothing to do with clothing.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

the people who are most impressed by the dress code are people who are either also People of the Dress Code or Former People of the Dress Code.

I know that there have been many times that I have been in Walmart or a restaurant somewhere and saw someone dressed in the correct attire. Then I look to their hair. And finally to their face and jewelry. If they measure up in all those areas, I am then able to identify them as Pentecostal people (probably of the Apostolic persuasion). Only rarely tho will they ever acknowledge me even if I go out of my way to greet them. Oh well. I get lots of good fellowship right here on AFF :)

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I have always believed that this. It is a great testimony of living a saved life.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Coming from a woman's perspective, it's interesting to hear this kind of situation to prove that clothing and outter appearance aren't what too many people have turned them into. As a guy in the general Pentecostal circle for as long as I've been in it, I've always thought to myself, based on personal observation, there were people not of my specific faith (fellow OPs) who were so much more Godly in their spirit and attitude that wore everyday, common-folk clothes. Certainly nothing to set them apart, as we've so often been told is what makes such a difference. Yeah, a difference it makes alright! Many times hindering the Kingdom instead of advancing it all because of the attitude or motive behind it...

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

If they find out your committed in word and deed they will respect you.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

On two different occasions people asked me if I was "Spirit-filled". It came about in normal business conversation and not especially religious topics. I said yes I am, why?" and they replied I could just tell!

It was and still is a bit puzzling to me.

Do you think it was because I was clean shaven at the time? lol!

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Nope, people can tell clean shaven or not.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

uh... that part of my post was TIC, the rest was not.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

people know regardless of dress, what light is shining through.

at work when i was a sinner, i cursed with them, cut up and made dirty jokes with them. we even have a preacher at work and i would harass him. some time later, after the Lord got a hold of me and i changed, some of the newer workers had a hard time believing i was like that, But i got a preacher to back it up.

now people do the same, try not to curse around me, wont tell dirty jokes around me. people have asked me to pray for there kids, spouses. I sing i pray, and i preach to myself outloud
People still look at me wierd when i do that, but thus i enjoy the freedom at work to do so.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Unfortunately, you have lost the concept of holiness. Holiness is UNTO THE LORD. It is nice if somebody on the street thinks you are a Christian, but you will not be judged one day by anybody on the street or at work. You will be judged by God almighty and that is the one you should desire to please with both your Heart and your appearance.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

And what exactly makes U think she is not dressing to please God?

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Nowhere in AQP's post did she mention not dressing in a way that is modest or pleasing to God. I'd be willing to wager that she agrees we should strive to please God in all things, including how we present ourselves. I'm quite sure that she believes in following God's Word as closely as possible. Man-made rules and rules found in God's Word aren't interchangeable. Man-made rules most certainly do NOT constitute holiness in any way, shape or form, inwardly or outwardly. Rules that we follow can be wise, beneficial and vary from church to church, home to home and person to person. They don't make us holy. There is no need to fear the wrath or judgment of God by following His Word and rejecting the opinions of people, which are as numerous as belly buttons.

I have friends who are charismatic Christians, and they absolutely stand out from the "crowd" with their loving, gregarious attitudes, their excitement and passion about all things "God", and beautiful character. I do believe in being modest and conservative in dress, but it would be very short sighted to think that people who don't agree with MY particular interpretation of what that means aren't Christian or don't stand out to the secular world as such.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

It is a wonderful discovery to find that it's truly Christ in us that draws people and not extraneous trappings in our control. :thumbsup It's a relief, really, to find that simply being His is all it takes. People will wonder, notice and desire what you have. I am a proponent of conservative dress (although not to the extent that any manual puts it forth), but I do think it often creates a barrier between us and the world rather than enhancing our "attraction." In some cases, I believe it makes us unapproachable. That's not to say that people might admire from afar; perhaps they do. I know that in some cases it's been stated that they do, though whether or not such comments were patronizing rather than honest, I don't know for sure. A very conservative and distinct dress code can also make a Christian woman in particular feel unapproachable and that is conveyed subconsciously to those around her--including some who might actually want to know more about what she believes.

There's never anything wrong with simplifying your walk with God and adhering to the Word first and foremost. Turn off the background noise. ;)

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Because she said so right off the bat. She said she had quit following the Pentecostal dress code (that was her words) For her to say that she was doing it no longer, indicates that at one point she did dress differently.
It's not funny but very sad. The Apostle Paul talked about those who once believed something and went back on what they believed.
Gal 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

Her whole point was to say that she dresses just like the world does and they still noticed she was a Christian.
If that is the case, the whole world is dressing to please God.
I want the world to see that I am dressing to please God, not dressing like they dress.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

When I wear a suit and tie am I not dressing like the world? We look no different then a bunch lying no good heathen politicians. Who came up with suits and ties? Wasn't apostles.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

bwahahaha

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Actually, that wasn't her point. Her point was that she no longer follows the "pentecostal dress code." Not that she "dresses just like the world." Even when not following the code, there's a large margin between someone dressing modestly and how the world dresses. Or do you look around when you're at the mall? :blink

That said, we aren't to dress differently from the world just for the sake of it. We should choose our actions and our appearance and our speech because they are pleasing to God. There will be times when we may be in good company and we may NOT stand out that much; other times, we will stand out significantly. It happens by default; not because we purposely arrange it. Being different from the world is going to occur naturally if we follow God's Word. We don't have to go above and beyond His Word for that to happen. I think it's sad that you have equated man-made rules with His Word and treat them as if they are equally important.

Oddly enough, Pentecostal men experience this on a regular basis because in many cases their dress/appearance is exactly the same as the secular men around them. So what makes them stand out? The Spirit of God affecting their actions and conversation--from the inside out.

I don't believe in this nonsense of looking at how the world dresses and purposely choosing something different for the sake of being different. The right way of choosing everything about my life is to ask myself, "Is this pleasing to God?" Differences can occur (or not occur) where they may.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Your acting like shes wearing tank tops and behind shorts. Why do we assume the worse about others so easily?

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

People can see Christ in you... if you allow Christ to live out His life in your life.

Dress codes only show people your religion.

Exactly!

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

This.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

We can go to extremes in either direction, appearance does matter.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Here we go!

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I agree. It does matter. But the question is origination of motivation. Do we abide by a dress code to be saved? To be seen as religious? Because a pastor commands us? To be considered for the ministry team?

Or... does our oneness with Christ lead us to a deep personal desire to be modest? And not only a modesty in dress... but a modesty in attitude and disposition?

Is our motivator linked to a religious identity... or is our motivation our union with and love for Christ?

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Maybe she never believed it - she just did it because she was told - so that would not make her a "transgressor"

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Heart and motive is everying. I think a major problem is,IMO, is very little teaching why and motive behind we do things instead a to do list is given.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Excellent statement for this thread... :thumbsup

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Whats wrong with tank tops and behind shorts? Where did you draw the line? Was it at the knee or elbows or thigh or mid arm? Everybody has a line that they would say is Heaven or Hell. If nobody drew a line then nakedness would be ok. Everybody eventually is judgmental, it is only conservatives that are beat over the head for letting folks know where they stand. It happens in the political world also, so it is nothing new.

You should start a thread on why you think it is wrong to wear tank tops in public. You will get your head handed to you here on AFF.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I doubt many of AFF are ok with tankn tops and behind shorts. Maybe randy :)

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I think its safe to assume the did not have on a tank top and daisy dukes :) - she was a work and I can't think of many places (other than hooter's) where that attire would be acceptable. The point of her story is you don't have to wear skirts to your ankles and sleeves to your wrist to make people see Christ in you. The way you live your life and treat others is the best way to let others see Christ through you - not in your outer appearance and TRUTHSEEKER - that is TRUTH!

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Well, I AM ok with tank tops, and Hawaiian shirts, and t-shirts, and sometimes even NO shirt -except I always wear one to prevent too much sunburn. By the way, what is a "behind shorts"?

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I still maintain outer appearance has its place. Its just it turns into a false finish line sometimes.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Discussions about where we draw the lines are fine and dandy; drawing conclusions about one's salvation because they don't follow a particular code: Not so great. It's one thing to discuss opinions; it's another to judge the state of another person's heart because of a difference in opinions. Capiche?

It's also perfectly fine to change your mind about something. If I practice something because that's what I've been TOLD, and then when I study the Word for myself I find that I don't agree with what I've been TOLD, it isn't wrong to adhere to the WORD rather than the TEACHINGS of men.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

EVERY Christian should be searching the scriptures, making sure that what they are being taught over the pulpit and in classrooms is "so." Not only is that fine, but it's also fine to question what is being taught if it doesn't line up with God's Word. Respectfully, of course. (However, some people consider questioning at all to be disrespectful; they have the right to be wrong about that. :blink)

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

Hope you know was just kidding with ya.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I think he means "booty shorts." :heeheehee

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I once looked to my late godly parents for instruction in many matters. I received the Holy Ghost at 18 yrs. With the help of my pastor father, and mother, I continued on to know the LORD. (My father started a church mission shortly after I received the Holy Ghost). I married 8 months later. WE continued on to know the LORD. We learned that it was very important to be
led by the Spirit of the Living God. Our parents have gone HOME, many years ago. We look to the Holy Ghost to lead us and give us direction today. They that are led by the Spirit are becoming His sons and daughters. If we are not led by the SPIRIT of GOD, what spirit are we being led by?

I do not have to have someone to tell me how to dress or fix my hair. etc. Many times through the years, there have been times I felt uncomfortable with something I put on. or I did. I took it off, and didn't do whatever again. I knew that the Holy Ghost had made me feel uncomfortable so that I could learn when to "hear" His Voice. You need to be sensitve to the Spirit and listen closely with an open and honest heart. If I have ignored His prompting, after a while no doubt HE would have quite even bothering to try to lead me. No matter how many years I live, I never want HIM to stop leading and guiding me.

Falla39

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

I agree outer appearance has its place. I don't follow the "dress code" either but I am still very careful about what shows/doesn't show :) - I try to be a good example for my little girl, but if someone chooses to dress different than me that is between them and God and not my place to decide if they are right or wrong.

Re: The "dress code" is essential...
 

:thumbsup