PRESS TO DRESS

On Wednesday after service I was asked to NOT wear jeans anymore During Sundays when helping Lead Praise with the worship Band.... I politely said ok and Left as I was already getting into my car. Simple Right?

First off I “get” and understand some of the LOGIC, but not the relationship... Or how this demonstrates anything other than focusing on Image.  I just don’t see how it has anything to do with LOVE.  Doesn’t God see us at our worst? When we are in our sweatpants and t-shirts with no makeup on or hair washed? God sees us all the time.  Most people say that we should dress up out of respect for Christ. But how do you define dressing up. Is a tie enough? Or do you need a suit as well? Do nice jeans count or do you have to have slacks? Shirt tucked in or out? I think you may get my point because I could go on and on. What one person considers dressing up may not be consistent with what other people think. Very quickly you start down a road that leads to legalism and pride. You also start down a road that causes division between generations. What most 20 year olds consider nice, most 50 year olds would not even consider wearing, and the reverse is true as well. What I would wear to a job interview is very different from what an older person would wear. Why, because we grew up in different eras.

I needed to make sure this wasn’t my pride or ego that was hurt.

When I was approached it was done privately as it should of been. But in the End…it just made me feel like I wasn't good enough.
Now I'm sure there are some that would try to say
 "well, your in a leadership position...you need to look Professional" 
The Pharisees were the religious of the day who were impressively dressed as Leaders of the Faith, In fact They HATED the Fact That Jesus was Wearing “Jeans” of his Day… No adornments, Fancy Garments, No Crown and No fancy shoes…This Can NOT be The Son of God. Jesus wasn’t just “A” leader of the faith… he is the son of God…. And he wore a dirty Robe of a carpenter and not what People EXPECTED or Told him he SHOULD be wearing. Jesus had some of the harshest words for those Religious Leaders of The Faith pushing appearances.
LET ME ASK YOU THIS: 
What Did ALL of the Religious Leaders Wear? 
What Did JESUS, Teacher, Leader and Son of GOD wear? 
are we following the church? or are we following Christs example?
As a personal Conviction There is of course the argument that I also think that dressing up can become a barrier to reaching people for Christ. I have had people ask me if they come with me will they have to dress up for church and then have a sigh of relief that they don’t. Why?

Because they didn’t own any clothes that people would find acceptable in most churches?

They felt like they couldn’t even attend church unless they bought “nice” clothes?

How sad of an indictment is that against churches today. We are known more for what we wear instead of who we love.

And I’ll Only quickly even mention how since going to this Church how many people have approached me just to show me their “Tattoos” and talk about them… if they have meaning or struggles… ALL This because they see me on stage worshipping GOD with them. We are ALL Broken Sinners. Don’t you Think someone in the congregation might need to see its ok to wear jeans?! That it’s not about what’s on the Outside… Ever.

This issue weighed Heavy on my heart… all the while the enemy whispering in my ear.

“Just follow The Rules… don’t cause waves… just wear khakis or slacks or whatever the “professional” Christian wears… If you cause problems they will never let you be in leadership…”

Of course if we seek God he’s there…and he was quick to reminded me I Don’t need anyone’s Approval but His. I put my focus back on God. If God wants me in Leadership or Building my Own Ministry… who’s gonna stand against him? Not me that’s for sure.  Later that week I went to the Local Theater with my Small Group (a small bible study from my church) to see “Gods Not Dead”. Without giving away any spoilers to the readers who haven’t seen it yet… there is an issue in which the “main Guy” is doing something For God against everyone’s better judgment. He’s Told its self-seeking by other believers, his parents and loved ones are telling him to not make it an issue even though he feels lead by God and  something isn’t right. They down Play it to him or try justifying it… Either way the message is the same… it’s just “Jeans” Just wear what they tell you to.

It's bothered me all week,  Not just today when I woke up for church looking at  The "not" jeans; a Pair of slacks sitting out on top of my dresser since Wednesdays Lil’ private Talk... And I've been praying and praying. I wasn’t ready yet…  So I Turned to the Lord. So Instead, I spent My Morning Hangin’ with God and seeking his wisdom.

Doesn’t it feel like Churches Today are doing way to much overlooking by looking to hard at what they see and what they want others to Perceive?

It Seems That Some’ in my church may see my “Image” as something Negative on their Overall Ideal Look for Church Leadership.  Tattoos and Gauged Ears… and Jeans… I even had long Hair but Cut it (on my own accord). Don’t they see these are the type of issues that cause division in a church? When Church Leaders focus on secondary issues, we are distracted from God’s vision for the church. You will never hear me preaching against dressing up in church, but you will also never hear me preach against dressing casually. Why? Because as a church we have more important things to talk about.  Keep in mind We’re not talking about Modesty here, But IMAGE.  And if it bothers you when people don’t dress to your standards, please take a look at John 7:24. Let’s not focus on secondary issues that do nothing but cause division.

“God, how do I Show them that it’s Not the Expectation of Trying our Best…. But Creating the Standard of BEST that diminishes Gods Love so that someday we can become that church that really and truly are the hands and feet of Jesus and not running around worried about stupid man made policies and procedures but instead to just roll up our sleeves and deal with broken, messy, messed up life we have been delivered from”

... So I wait upon The Lord.

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