[drstevej]

***For example, "naked" just doesn't work for me.***

The Bible says the Father seeks those who worship in spirit and truth. Biblical Worship is both private and corporate.

In private worship, I often will relax in a hot bath and pray and praise Him -- that's worship and I am naked and unashamed. The argument that 'God deserves your best attire' takes on a different meaning there.

Some might say, "Yeah, in private worship it doesn't matter... We're talking about PUBLIC worship."

To which I reply, "Oh, so God doesn't care what we wear (after all, He accepts my bathtub worship), it's what others might think!"

I think this whole issue is a what do others think and not an issue of what God thinks. We already know that, He seeks those who worship Him in Spirit and truth. With Him coat and tie is optional at best and hypocritical at worst. Hypocritical if we think He approves our worship if we wear the right outer clothing and try to shroud a proud heart with a suit.

[xzins]

Amen to all you've said.

We're talking about public worship.

There's a range of acceptable attire, but there are extremes that are not acceptable. It is hard to justify thongs as being in "spirit." It's also hard to justify "hypocritical" as spiritual.

You are right on the money.

[Gamecock]

In private worship, I often will relax in a hot bath

That is just not an image I needed this morning. </feeble humor>

[CCWoody]

On my dressiest Sunday, I can be found in jeans & a polo shirt with the church logo. This is my official usher's uniform. This way, nobody is out of place, except possibly me and my team.

Woody.

BTW, I got a complaint last week. It seems a woman was there in a short mini skirt. Yeah, I saw it, and there was a lot of thigh. Yeah, she looked like she was ready to be picked up at a singles bar. In a few weeks, she will probably be wearing jeans or something less "dressy." I'm thinking (I didn't say it), don't look and your wife won't have to slap your butt out into the isle. You might call it "slain in the Spirit," but that won't save face with your wife.

[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.

[First Amendment]

I think another valid point is that dressing to impress or attract others is not appropriate. A person should dress for public worship with modesty, so that others will not have their attention withdrawn from God to that person's attire or appearance.