Quote:
Originally Posted by OGIA
rr, in my limited time back in the "church" (4 years now), I've seen the same thing you are talking about. I just wonder why you harp on and seem to limit it to the conservative churches? Anywho..........
I agree that there are far too many who use church as an occassion to dress to "the nines". There's nothing inherently wrong with that until it becomes an issue of the flesh. I have to be aware of it myself, being blessed with things in the clothing realm that others may not have.
But, brother, why do you focus so much on the conservative churches? Do you think "they" are exempt from error? YOU, like my wife (who is not in truth and WILL NOT even visit my church), seem to think that because a particular church holds to a stricter standard of dress that ALL are perfect. That's silly.
Why don't you mention the ones who DO dress modestly, because these are the ones who have it "right" (pun intended). My best friend and his wife are getting more and more conservative the longer they are in church (he prayed through a week before I did). He is now licensed locally. He and his wife are a class act when it comes to standards. You NEVER see her wearing anything flashy, yet she looks like she could met the President (or more importantly, the LORD!) at anytime of the day. Yeah, she "dresses down" sometimes, but she still looks very classy.
Why don't you talk about those people? Why do you think everyone is perfect or has this standards thing down, exhibiting humility and grace?
Why? Just for argument's sake, I think. Quit grouping everyone in the same class. If you want to start dressing more casual in your church (if you haven't), then PLEASE, PLEASE......go ahead! Don't try to justify it by others' faults.
It just seems like you're trying to justify a desire for wanting to change to be more casual by attacking what the ones who don't live the conservative life to YOUR standards (no pun intended) do. Just because they get caught up in the flesh doesn't mean that there's not a group who don't.
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The issue is not putting anything that causes people to stumble over before they get to see Jesus. We have to become more missional in our churches approach in reaching people.
A fisherman (Randy Should Know this to well) doesn't fish with bait he likes, he fishes what is attractive to the fish. Pentecost has got to become more incarnational in its approach. In case your wondering what that means Jesus (God) incarnated himself in flesh, a specific culture with the practices of that culture. He didn't demand allegiance to his nature and his holiness first before a relationship could be established.
Dressing up is tradition, nothing wrong with it, but sinners and outcasts shouldn't feel intimidated by it and be blinded so they can't see the true celebrity and ultimate friend of sinners, Jesus.
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