The Heart of Worship

The Heart of Worship
There is no hard and fast dress code for church. There are certain principles that we can glean from the Old Testament and instructions from the New Testament to take into consideration about how we present ourselves to the Lord. Yet, even in all of this, the Lord never set down a definitive rule for dress.

The issue is one of the heart. One of the deacons at Calvary Baptist Church in Odessa, Missouri was a prime example of this. Mr. Shippy was a farmer and was almost always wearing overalls (or bibs). I’d wager that he was keeping these things on the market with how many pairs he has worn over the years. Anyway, Mr. Shippy was a humble farmer who loved the Lord. He didn’t have the “finer things” in life. Yet, on Sunday morning he came with clean overall’s (that were starched and creased) and a simple button down shirt on. His white New Balance shoes were cleaned and ready to go. His outfit was simple, but it was his best. It’s what he would have met the president in (maybe).

The issue is not formality, but it is the heart. A heart that desires to draw near to Christ and worship Him truly is a beautiful thing. Sometimes we just need a word of gentle correction or a reminder that we worship the Lord of all. For me it was an older gentleman at Hillcrest Baptist in Nederland. I used to be the kid in shorts and flip-flops in Sunday worship. After I had been there for a while, he just struck up a conversation with me and asked me what I understood about worship and who God was. Our conversation helped me to begin to think through what it means to come together with the body of Christ to worship. I began (not perfectly) to try and prepare my heart and more before I gathered with others on Sunday.

The way we dress will differ based on context. A pastor in Belize, Uganda, and Chad  will probably not all dress the same. Some might have more color in their wardrobes than others. But, beyond their attire, their hearts must come in humble faith to worship the Lord. Anyone can put on a suit and tie. Dressing formally doesn’t “guarantee” that a person’s heart is right before the Lord. I could have the starchiest suit in the sanctuary and still offer the sacrifice of Cain.

So then, if a young man comes in with shorts and flip-flops on, welcome him. If a cowboy with mud on his boots comes through our doors, greet him with joy. If a poor man comes in meager attire, embrace him with open arms. For the true issue is ultimately of the heart. 

Grace be with you,
C. R. Hamilton