On a trip to Romania in the late 80's, I had decided to show compassion on the poor Romanians, and the spirit of our humble Master, by leaving all "dressy" clothes at home. Surely the poverty level in Communist Romania was such that no one could afford "nice" things, even for Sunday morning.

How wrong I was. I was the only one in those huge congregations (huge because the Communists had shut down most church buildings and Christians had to unite) who was not dressed up!

Worse. I was asked to preach often, and when I would mount the platform, some dear brother in the congregation would rush to my assistance by offering a coat and tie, to be sure that my arms were covered and my chest was decorated. It was considered a thing next to immoral to preach in a short-sleeved tie-less shirt!

Not sure what happened in Romania, but oh my have we come a long way in this country. As always, some are saying "too far." Now not only are bare arms the norm, but in the summer, bare legs. Unfortunately certain women among us have taken it a step further, a step which will go un-mentioned here.

One of the most astounding changes is in the pulpit. It is not at all unusual to see shorts and thongs in the hot weather. It has almost become the norm to see blue jeans. In fact there are a great number of churches now where those who wear suits and ties could easily be the ones frowned upon (too religious!), scorned (flaunting their riches!), or pitied (doesn't he know the church has changed?). Some might even be rebuked (all their works they do to be seen of men!)

The obvious truth must be said now to a church that seems to have lost the sense of the obvious. And that is, as long as your clothing does not incite lust, you can wear what you want in church! God gave no rules on this matter!

Some want to wear "their best." They delight in offering this little sacrifice up to the Lord, and care not one whit about impressing anyone. They just like being fresh and clean and bright, and totally different from their otherwise drab working ways. Bless these people. They have not sinned. There is nothing wrong with them.

Others have a "David" heart that could praise God in their "basic" clothes just as readily as a tuxedo or evening gown. Maybe more. They desire the liberty that Christ has promised, and wish to be governed only by their hunger for God, not some imagined rules of the church. Bless these people also. They also have not sinned.

Of course, there are the hot dressers who are there to attract a love interest. And there are some rebels who wear the shabbiest things they can find to send a message of dissent and nonconformity, for the attention it gives them among their peers. I do not say we should bless them.