"You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean."
street preacher-Are you saying that because I attempt to look nice and show respect to the Lord by being clean that I am somehow unworthy? I'm not saying that someone not dressed appropriatly should be kicked out, either. And by appropriately, I do not mean spend all your money on high fashion and flaunt it. Not every aspect of life is found in the Bible. Traditions are also an important part of my life. We do special things as a family at Christmas and other holidays. Not because they are in the Bible but because our family enjoys those moments and we want to pass on the lessons learned to our kids. It's the same for how I dress myself and my kids when we go to a nice restaurant, to church, to a wedding/funeral, etc. Some occasions call for not wearing your play clothes or relaxed everyday duds. I don't dress nicely because I think someone is looking at me. I dress that way because I respect the solemnity of the Mass or occasion for which I attend.
Chena-I also live simply. I shop as little as possible. I don't work or shop, etc. on Sundays. I'm not into material things for my house, etc. For me, less is more. I donate gently used clothes and often buy clothes on sale with shelters, etc. in mind. I also tend my own garden and am teaching my children how to use and celebrate God's natural gifts to us. Despite our disagreements on what we wear to church, I think you and I would have a lot in common. Let's just agree to disagree.
Thank you, samiam1972. I appreciate your kinder words and do hope I did not in some way insult you. That was not my intention either. I've never met a person I can't get along with yet. Everyone has their redeeming qualities and Lord knows, I'm not perfect. I think sometimes these conversations online with people we haven't met, open up the sort of dialogue we would never have with friends and family, or even the local town folk. It is much easier to be less delicate when speaking our minds when we don't actually sit face to face, or live side by side. Yes, let's agree to disagree. :)