Is it true that....

[votivesoul]

I have more facial hair than I have hair on my head. I haven't worn a suit and tie in a long time. I likely won't wear either for any foreseeable future. I go to church meetings the same as if I was going to the store.

The issue is, can people like Michael and I (and others, I presume) be accepted as we come, without any pretense, and be treated the same way, received the same way, and allowed to offer our gifts and talents to the people of God the same way, as those who are attired in suits and ties?

If the answer is yes, all complaints cease. If the answer is no, then problems arise, in which it is manifestly declared that only those in special clerical robes are allowed to serve Christ in His Kingdom, while those who don't fit the bill are marginalized into the non-existent category of lesser minister for simply not dressing up.

God never used me more when I was clean shaven and suited up, and He hasn't stopped using, or began using me less, the day I stopped shaving and tucked all my ties and suits away.

This idea that these are the things that qualify a man for service in the Kingdom of God, or in the Body of Christ, is so beyond the pale of Christ-likeness, that it can only make one wonder what else isn't Christ-like about those who would hold such an artificial, man-made, Pharisaical standard against the brethren.