[ninenot]

Well, yeah...BUT

Seems to me that dress and appearance are a matter of respect, as well. Around the home/office I am extraordinarily casual--but if meeting a client or other business-type, I use the coat/tie as a sign of respect for THEM, not for me...

There are the obvious exceptions, either by pre-arrangement or by accident, but...

No question, though, that God wants us to turn to Him (metanoia) and conform to His Son.

[drstevej]

***Seems to me that dress and appearance are a matter of respect, as well. Around the home/office I am extraordinarily casual--but if meeting a client or other business-type, I use the coat/tie as a sign of respect for THEM, not for me...***

Sure, but God is always present (omnipresent ya know) including the bathroom. And I find worship in there is uninterrupted and focused on Him. Guess I'll have to bathe in a coat and tie.

In worship He deserves my full attention and full devotion. That's how I honor Him. That's what He wants (Jn 4 Spirit and Truth).

You are pressing an earthly analogy toward Heaven despite the clear statement of Jesus that the Father seeks those who worship Him in spirit and truth.

Dressing for church to please Him is fine if that's your conscience, but it is certainly not a biblical absolute that all must embrace.

James 2 gives a stern warning about sizing people up in church by what they are wearing.

2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; 3And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: 4Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?


NOTE TO KJV Onlyists:

"him that weareth the gay clothing"

Think this might be misunderstood by some unfamiliar with the Bible? A perfect translation.....