Why I dress up for church (and most every day)...

It’s not as common as it used to be but I still occasionally get asked, “Pastor Tom, why do you wear a suit and tie to church?”  Truth is, I wear a coat and tie just about every day.  I know, I know, this is the South West, casual dress is the rule here.  Actually casual dress is rapidly becoming the norm across the country. Truthfully, I have no problem with people “dressing down”.  If your idea of being dressed up is jeans and a t-shirt, no problem, we can be friends.  However, that just isn’t me (I was going to say, “It just ain’t me”, but since this is a defense of being a bit more formal and proper I left it out).  This isn’t a biblical treatise on why God wants me to dress up on Sunday; I don’t think He really cares.  However since this is a blog I’ll just share some personal feelings. 

            First and foremost I dress up because it isn’t the norm to do so.  You see I like to be rebellious, I don’t like to let society or culture or what “everyone else is doing” influence any of my personal habits.  If every were dressing up, I’d probably dress down. 

            Secondly, it’s just a habit.  I’ve either worn a uniform (back before the BDU was acceptable) or a suit and tie to work all my adult life.  I feel very uncomfortable working in casual clothes. 

            Third, it’s my deep conviction that I should present myself to God and His service in the very best condition possible.  That means for me being spiritually right with God, being prepared, clean and dressed well.  It also means being in good physical condition and paying attention to hygiene issues. 

            Fourth, people take you more seriously if you well-dressed and present a professional image.  I once went to the hospital to visit a guy after I had been mowing grass and didn’t bother to change clothes or clean up.  His nurse didn’t want to let me into the room for fear that I might contaminate him or something.  Another time I wore sweats to go on visitation with my pastor.  He wouldn’t let me go with him because I didn’t take the ministry to God’s people seriously enough in his words, “To dress like an adult with some sense”. 

            Fifth, I’m convinced that one of the problems in American society is our casualness.  Take our speech for example.  How often do you refer to some one as Mr. or Mrs. or say “Yes, Sir or “No Mam”?  I said, “Yes mam” to a lady yesterday and she acted like she was offended.  She said, “My name is _______, not mam!”  I found myself having to defend being courteous-it’s a mad, mad, world!  Casual speech, casual dress, casual manners, lead to casual attitudes, which can lead to casual worship and casual Christianity; let alone casual habits.  We do not serve a casual God!  He is the King and Creator of heaven and earth! 

            Now I understand not everyone shares this belief, that’s ok, you don’t have to.  You will never hear me berate someone for their clothes or if they aren’t well-groomed or clean for that matter.  If you use bad grammar or aren’t socially adept, that’s alright with me.  There is room for diversity in the kingdom of God.  However, please extend the same courtesy to me. 

            What are your thoughts on this subject?