Most parochial, and several public schools, have established dress codes for the students. Some of the benefits claimed are: school uniforms are less expensive; there is no rivalry, jealousy, or feeling of inferiority because some students are dressed more glamorously; and uniforms create a better learning environment; plus there are fewer disciplinary problems. Is it time for churches to establish some dress codes? Many churches seem to encourage, not just informal dress but actually encourage "sloppy dress". The argument is, "The main thing is get them in church." The end does not necessarily justify the means. Must a church act like the world and provide worldly entertainment to get the unsaved into church? If so, has it really accomplished anything for the glory of Christ?
One church's mail out bulletin regularly proclaims the slogan, "Here to Glory God". I like that. But do sloppy dress, sensual music and worldly entertainment glorify God? The world will not be won to Christ by church members living and acting like the world. The Apostle John wrote, "Do not love the world or the things in the world.... The world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:1517). Paul advised the Corinthians, "Therefore come out from among them, And be ye separate, says the Lord" (2 Cor. 6:17).
How did disciples of Christ come to bear the designation, "Christian"? It most certainly was not by conforming to the ways of the world. (See Acts 11:19-26.) Followers of Christ are supposed to be different. If church members live, act and look like the unsaved masses, how do they expect to attract the unsaved to Christ? Paul wrote, "In like manner also, that the women [and by inference, also the men] adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation" (1 Tim. 2:8).
How should church members dress for worship? According to Paul, in one word, modestly. To dress modestly, does not require a $500 suit. A person can dress modestly in everyday work clothes. How one dresses is largely determined by the occasion. Not for a moment would any self-respecting man expect to attend a Presidential Ball dressed in T-shirt, slouchy cutoff jeans, with hairy legs showing. (A greater than the President is present every time a true church meets.) No self-respecting woman would think of attending a formal occasion wearing tight fitting, revealing jeans and tank top. Why? Because such attire would show disrespect to the hostess and the guest of honor. The host and guest of honor at all true worship services is the Lord Jesus Christ. Propriety and Christian decency demands that worshippers respect Him and dress accordingly.
THINK ABOUT IT: If a dress code creates a better learning environment in a school, 'isn't it reasonable that modest dress in church creates a better worship atmosphere?
Editor’s Note: O. H. Griffith was a highly respected writer and commentator published in the Sunday School and Baptist Training Course materials of the American Baptist Association. This article was first published many years ago. One can only imagine his view of the immodesty prevalent in some worship services today.
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