The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum The Lord's Supper/Communion practices

Let me answer your question as to "what is considered 'casual dress' by relaying a short story which will also reveal my personal opinion on this issue.

At a particular church, where I was a member at the time, the Lord's Supper was being administered one Sunday morning. I had invited a very good friend of mine to visit this church some weeks before. This friend was, and I still pray is, a very godly man who was "miraculously saved" out of the drug culture. Much of his free time was spent witnessing to men who frequented gospel missions, where I also preached regularly. (this should mean something to one here on the board who unfortunately had questions about where I brought the gospel to people!). He didn't own a suit, hadn't gotten around to cutting his hair, etc., but he sure loved God and knew his Bible better than many pastors.

Anyway, my friend decided, unbeknown to me, to visit this church that Sunday morning. And, I happened to see him walk through the door looking like a lost puppy. So, I got up and escorted him to where I was sitting. As I explained in how the Lord's Supper was administered in my previous post, the pastor made several "calls" for people to come to the Table up front. At the last call, when it appeared that there were very few willing to come (it was considered more "pious" to not go by some), the pastor then said, "Are there no more black-hearted needy sheep who need the communion of Christ this morning?" At that, my friend got up and went forward and sat at the table wearing his "best" suspendered "farmer jeans" and plaid cotton shirt. There was a noticeable hush in the sanctuary as he walked forward and sat down.

After the service, two stately Elders approached me and physically pushed me against the wall being in a state of great unrest said to me, "How dare you bring that type of individual here and allow him to go to the Lord's Table?" I explained that the this man was a very godly and righteous man and was just obeying the call to go forward to the Table and communion with Christ. They mentioned the fact that he was dressed in that outfit which they thought was inappropriate for such a solemn occasion. Now this really bothered me and I replied to these "Elders" that to the contrary, he was dressed in the ONLY PROPER ATTIRE! He was clothed with the righteousness of Christ.

Okay.... so does this mean that I believe that "dress" is unimportant? Not at all. But I do believe that when we attend the house of God, we should consider just Who it is we are going to "meet" and for what purpose. Thus, one should dress accordingly, which may mean for some that they put on the "best" pair of jeans they own, if that is all they have. As a man thinketh, so is he. The Lord looks upon the heart, but our heart will dictate our outward appearance as well. Let each man, as God has blessed him, approach the LORD God with all humility, soberness and dressed for the occasion. For when we enter His house, we are coming before the KING of Glory.