If your dad is among the 6% in this country who wear ties, then you probably should buy him one.  For the other 94% of working men, they just don’t wear ties, this according to a new Wall Street Journal ARTICLE.  

Now, most of you know me well enough to know that I don’t beat a fashion drum, wanting people to dress the same, especially at church.  However, the level of formality of our dress is just not informed by scripture (except in the negative, actually, about adorning yourself that others either see your high standard or your lowly position while fasting).  Since it’s relatively silent in scripture then looking at culture can SOMEWHAT inform us.  We have to be careful here because the culture is wildly immodest.  But with a biblically informed modesty and dressing like you care that you’re at church, this should shape your clothing decisions appropriately enough.  

Now, many have their opinions of what one should wear and much of that comes from a tradition.  I respect that, because all of us are influenced by some kind of trend (traditional or otherwise).  For me, I think that clothing should be the least of our concerns on Sunday morning or any other day of the week.  I think we should draw as little attention to ourselves as possible.  So, I choose not to wear a tie, except on the occasions that are appropriate.  I also choose not to dress overly casual, even sloppy, because, again, I don’t want to draw attention to myself.  Hey, if I really wore what was comfortable I’d wear my favorite “holy” shorts and torn t-shirt.  You don’t want that for many reasons!

If you want a good rule and standard for Sunday morning attire, I can’t really give it to you except in principle.  Read Romans 14 and ask yourself as you put on your clothes, 1) Am I showing that I love the body of Christ (young and old alike) by dressing this way?, and 2) Am I trying to draw attention to myself in any way by wearing this?  From my estimation we have some who probably need to dress a little sharper (if they are able) and we have some who need to stop looking down on those who don’t dress as they do.  

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Romans 14:13-19