I love Emma Danzey’s conclusion in this article that “When asking the question, does God care what we wear to church, it is important to know the context of that question. First and foremost, the Lord cares about our hearts…”.
As someone who had it ingrained in my head to always wear my “Sunday Best,” this is a question I’ve wrestled with over the years. While there is nothing wrong with wanting to dress up or look my best at church, it’s all about where my heart is. If we’re judging members or visitors who show up in what we deem to be “not good enough” attire, we fall into the legalism that turns people off from the church who need God most. We may even push longtime believers away from the church through our judgmental attitudes about outward appearances. Would God turn them away, or would He encourage His children to come as they are? Does God care what we wear to church? Check out the scenarios in Emma’s article, and let me know what you think!
When my husband & I were on our “Great Church Search” (after our pastor hung up on me during a time of need), we attended many different churches in the area, along with a friend. Keep in mind that we had just lost our house & were living in the basement of an organization, with almost all of our belongings in storage, including a lot of our clothes.
I’ll never forget one church we attended only once. That was all we needed. Every man was wearing a suit & tie; the most casual was a slightly more casual jacket. The women were all dressed to the nines with their hair done up like they had just stepped out of a salon.
There we were: I was wearing a “broomstick” skirt and nice blouse, with my hair simply in a barrette (like in my picture); my husband & the friend wore slacks and plain button-down shirts.
As we walked in just about everyone we noticed was giving us major “side eye”, and not a single person offered to help us find seats. When we did find seats, the nearest person skooched over in his seat away from us.
Then the service started. The pastor came out and literally screamed - with veins sticking out on his forehead - “I LOVE MONEY!”
Contrasting that, when we walked into the church that we’re still attending to this day, we were greeted by a gentleman wearing pressed jeans and a button-down shirt, and one arm, and his wife, who was wearing a really pretty dress. Looking around we saw everything from suits to ripped jeans & t-shirts…and we were made to feel completely at home.
I still dress up & put on makeup for church, but it’s only because I want to. For me, it’s my way of showing respect to my Heavenly Father…but it’s MY way, and I acknowledge that it’s not everyone else’s.
Certainly not, in some cases.
But I comprehend how some Christians may like to wear just about any outfit to church.
Yes, God is more concerned about the heart. But God would take more delight in a Christian who keeps faith in Him & still glorifies Him through wearing good quality clothes to church in His presence.
What makes you think that God would take - in your own words - “more delight” in a Christian who gets all dressed up? Not everyone who attends church can afford “good quality clothes”. God IS more concerned about the heart…period. Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28) Nowhere did he say to get all dressed up for the occasion.
I came from a family that could not afford “church clothes” so my parents got clothes for us kids and dropped us off at church and they stayed home.
A very different day and age, but growing up when all churches are suit &tie and Fancy dress places turned me off to them. Hard to concentrate on a sermon when you are so self conscious over your attire.
Please take heart
You are right, Not everyone who attends church can afford “good quality clothes”
Everything I have said is this: Whether you are poor or rich, give your best version to God.
It could be clothes, time, Love, Good works, money, etc
Give your best version to God.
In John 3:16, For God so loved the world that He gave His only son…
God gave you His best. His only son
In the story of the poor widow, though she gave little, it was her best.
Give your best to God. God knows your heart and your best
I find it essential to look beyond mere appearances. While I grew up believing in the importance of wearing my “Sunday Best,” I’ve come to understand that God is far more concerned with the condition of our hearts than the clothes on our backs. Jesus welcomed all, regardless of their status or appearance, and I believe He invites us to do the same.
Our attire should not define our worth or our relationship with Him. When we focus on our hearts, our intentions, our worship, and our desire to connectedness with God, we move away from legalism that can alienate others.
However, I must admit that there is some sort of balance that plays out here. I believe it’s also important to acknowledge that while “come as you are” is a beautiful invitation, it doesn’t mean we should come dressed in a manner that lacks respect for the sacredness of our gathering. It’s about finding balance. We should encourage each other to dress in a way that reflects our reverence for worship while also embracing the diverse expressions of our faith.
