While observing a student teacher in a third grade classroom this morning, I noticed one very spiffy young man wearing a dress shirt and tie. He had his hair slicked down and wasn’t wearing socks with his shoes – very preppy. I asked if he always dressed that way. The student teacher, a very good one, smiled and said, “No, it’s Valentine’s Day.” What a classy guy. I wonder if there was a specific lady he was trying to impress or was he just making a statement?
Many years ago I was invited to a Presidential Prayer Breakfast with Ronald Reagan. When I received the invitation the first thing I did was buy a new suit and new shoes. When I arrived I noticed there wasn’t one person in a t-shirt and jeans. Everyone was spiffed up. When we knelt for prayer I wanted to look at the bottom of people’s shoes to see how many were wearing new ones. However, I was a good boy and only peeked to see if the President had his eyes closed. He did. The secret service did not.
I realize what I am about to say is very old-fashioned but I wonder how people would dress when they come to church if they really believed they were having a meeting with the King of the Universe. Perhaps I should not be judgmental; perhaps that fellow with the t-shirt and jeans in church just might be wearing the best he has. Jesus told a story about a man who went to a wedding feast without the proper garb. He was tossed out. Of course the lesson of that story was about trying to get into heaven wearing our own righteousness. It will not work. Only Jesus’ righteousness is sufficient to save.
Written by Roger Bothwell on February 15, 2012
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org