Honoring God???

I was a part of an interesting conversation this afternoon...Let me set the scenario. Say a certain church had an outdoor worship service on a Sunday morning. Say that certain people within that certain church were discussing the service today. Now, suppose that someone made a suggestion that the outdoor service be done on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon instead of during the normal worship time.

Okay, then let's say that someone proposed that the best reason to do this at a time other than the normal worship time was because of dress code issues. That's right, I said dress code! Here's the defense: During our worship, we're to honor God (to which I definitely agree). The problem with the outdoor service is that people don't dress in a way to honor God (which I wonder about...blue jeans, t-shirts, shorts...no big deal...now, when too much flesh is being shown, I can understand).

But, is the manner of dress supposed to be an issue? I mean, it seems like an argument the Pharisee's would have had. When I read the New Testament, it seems like Jesus, Paul, and the others were trying to show the people that it wasn't about the outside, but the inside. Jesus said that the Pharisee's looked the part and paraded around, but they were totally corrupt in their hearts.

I know that many people feel we should wear suits and ties (dresses for the ladies) to church every Sunday. I know many in older generations feel very strongly this way. And, for them, that's okay. But, we need to make sure we're not treading on the ground of telling people they have to become just like us in order to be a part of the Kingdom. I feel like we should come as we are...well, as long as we're wearing clothes. Honoring God is something that comes from our heart. For me, I don't think it matters if I'm wearing shorts, blue jeans, or a fancy Brooks Brothers suit. God wants my heart, not my clothes.

Anyway, I thought it was interesting that the type of dress would be a leading factor in moving the time of a gathering.