Monday, July 21, 2008

Proper Church Attire

One Sunday morning, an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin.
Although the old man and his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt, and boots that were very worn and ragged.

In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and an equally well-worn, dog-eared Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city.
It was the largest and most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen.

The people of the congregation were all dressed with expensive clothes and fine jewelry.

As the cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him.

No one greeted, spoke to, or welcomed him.
They were all appalled by his appearance and did not attempt to hide it.

As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and asked the cowboy to do him a favor.
'Before you come back here, have a talk with God and ask him what he thinks would be appropriate attire for worship in this church.'

The old Cowboy assured the preacher he would.

The next Sunday, he again showed up for the services wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots, and hat.
Once again he was completely shunned and ignored.

The preacher approached the cowboy and said, 'I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church.'


'I did,' replied the old cowboy.

'And what did God tell you the proper attire should be for worshiping here?' asked the preacher.

'Well, sir, God told me that He didn't have a clue what I should wear. He'd never been in THIS church.'

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I’ve been to churches like that. Where they are more concerned with how you dress, or the type of house you live in or the kind of car you drive.

Do you really think that wearing the right clothes, having a big house or driving an expensive car will get you into heaven? Of course not.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

The only way to heaven is by accepting Jesus as your personal Savior.

God is not concerned about your house, your clothes or your car. What He is concerned about is how you honor His Son.


God looks at your heart.

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Luke 12:34)

He (Jesus) answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' ; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " (Luke 10:27)

How is your heart? Do you have a heart condition? I have to check mine every day.
I just want to be like David. A man after God’s own heart.


So how about that old cowboy?

Would he be accepted at your church?




Blessings.


4 comments:

CrazyDeb said...

Love this post! Well said - as usual!

Dr.John said...

Good story. I loved it.

EE said...

You should see what I wear to church;)

CindyMae said...

I love this! I grew up in a church that was that way and my parents still attend this type of church. They have actually taken my children and bought them new clothes to attend their church so they "would not feel out of place". I have finally gotten it through to my parents that if it is such a big deal that my children have to dress a certain way to worship God, then they do not need to visit their church again.

I do not believe that what we wear is a big deal to God as long as our hearts are in the right place!

Thanks for this post! Love your blog and I will be back!

Love in Christ,
Cindy