I may have a few old fashioned ideas that stubbornly cling to my DNA, or maybe to my junk DNA, but nevertheless, they still cling. Kind of like when I still actually look straight ahead or smile or try to engage people when waiting in line for that mandatory Starbucks boost rather than staring like a hypnotized robot at a cell phone.

Now to the topic at hand, finally:

Dressing for Church.

I previously wrote about men who wear hats in church service and what I think about that practice. Let’s let that one go. Of course when I grew up, we all dressed up, shaved, er, well those of us that could –  you know like aunt Mable, wore ties, sometimes sport coats, our best shoes and of course stupid little hats that we all took off and left on the coat rack out in the foyer. The ladies all looked their best and of course, the young ladies, well, that was one of the exciting perks of going to church or Sunday school, um, you know.

Times have changed.

I have noticed now that men wear shorts, sandals, T – shirts, athletic shoes with no socks, and huge gaudy football Jerseys with their number on them and names of the favorite players who will play that day. And women, well, they also wear matching sports Jerseys with their favorite player’s name, jeans, shorts, sandals and rarely dresses or skirts. Thankfully, the church apparel hasn’t deteriorated to Wal Mart dress code pajamas.  Today in church Troy Polamalu was the most popular jersey in the sanctuary followed by Gronkowski and we were a long way from Pittsburgh or Boston. It struck me that these people were making a statement, although harmless, but it was distracting.

But I noticed that no one wore a shirt that had GOD printed on the back. With a number 1 of course.

Interestingly, these same people do know how to dress very sharp when they want to.  I’ve seen ladies and gents dress to the hilt on special days in Church like Christmas and Easter! Nothing wrong with that of course, although those are special holidays for sure,  but then aren’t all days spent in Church worshipping special?

Now I am sure not a fashion leader, that’s for sure. I don’t wear jackets and ties to Church any more, however I do dress decent with a nice shirt and slacks with good shoes and I clean up the best I can, trying not to draw attention to myself and not distracting from the purpose at hand.

I must say however, that I appreciate those who get out of bed and attend Church service rather than playing golf, no matter what they wear. I don’t think it matters to the almighty. It matters what’s in your heart.

Having said that, it’s still a special place for me, a place of reverence, and I will always try to present myself the best I can.

Maybe none of this drivel matters at all. You must carry the spirit of love in your heart, no matter what you wear, or what your circumstance and all will be well.

© SRCarson