I contend that wearing our Sunday best clothes for church deters people who can't afford such clothing from going to church because they are not properly dressed. The comment that I hear is that it is a sign of respect when you are dressed in your best. Respect for who? Does God care how you are dressed? What is your opinion?
1Pe 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1Pe 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
Mat 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,.
Luk 20:46 Beware of the scribes, which desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts.
1Ti 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1Ti 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
When I go to Church I dress in jeans, and a pull over shirt, and never thought about it being wrong, but of course it was clean and looked good.
I never thought it was an insult to not dress in a suit, and tie, or dress the best I could afford.
But I do not like being like the world that wants expensive things, and motivated by selfishness, and arrogance, and loving money, and material things, and fame, and fortune, and wanting attention, and trying to convince people they are special.
Oh you so special, oh yes you are, oh yes you are.
Which also they can get on your nerves with their constant rattling on mostly bragging about themselves, or trying to act like they are wise, and intelligent.
Oh you so wise, oh yes you are, oh yes you are.
Whenever people act like that I look at them and think I do not get it.
I do not look up to people in the strongman contest, or a body building competition, or any sports, or Albert Einstein, or anyone in the Academic field, or have a high IQ that most people do not have, or anyone of a caliber above the common people.
And people are going to try to convince me they are something special that is not even on their level.
Come on give me a break.
Jesus did not wear the finest of clothes but was modest in dress like the common people.
Some people like to go to Church in the finest of clothes, with their hair done, and their nails done, and their shoes of great quality, which it seems most people do that to brag like it is a fashion show.
But I believe God wants us to dress modestly not wearing expensive clothes which is not a necessity but being the same as wanting an expensive vehicle, and expensive house.
Which is how the television evangelists love it which they also love money.
Of course if they want to wear expensive clothing that is their business but I know some will look down on those that do not do the same for many people that claim Christianity do not abide by the complete concept of love, and are motivated by arrogance.
Jas 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Jas 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;
Jas 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:
Jas 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
Jas 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?
Jas 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Jas 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?