10 Ways Your Clothes Reveal Your Heart at Church

"So the Jews were taken and tied up so quickly that they were still wearing the clothes they had on when they arrived—pants, cloaks, hats, and all“ (Daniel 3:21). King Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow to him, his statue, or his gods, in haste. He didn’t care what they were wearing when he threw them in, nor do I think he focused on what they were wearing as they walked miraculously out of the flames …with the image of a fourth person in tow.

No one knows when Jesus will return, and I doubt he’ll be taking accounts of who’s wearing hats in the sanctuary. This Old Testament story shows us that Christ doesn’t require us to follow a dress code to qualify for a miracle.

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

An inked arm raised in worship is a sign of victory. He’s after every heart and will redirect every willing soul He died to save. We would all live the above verse out in perfection if it was possible, but it’s not. Each flawed, “so that no one can boast,” struggle and suffering bonds humanity together. 

For those who seek Christ’s strength and healing and others whom He’s pulled through the darkness, ink offers a permanent visual of hope. What we choose to wear permanently tells a part of our story. Whether visible or not, we all wear life’s scars on our skin. 

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“For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared” (Ephesians 6:15, NLT). 

Whether we choose sneaks, flops, or heels, most days, we put shoes on before leaving the house. Ephesians 6:15 calls us to put on the gospel of Peace. It’s a choice, just like determining whether it’s appropriate to walk out into life barefoot. Most of the time, this isn’t a smart choice. Even the beach can yield shards of glass that haven’t had enough time to roll around in the surf to smooth the edges. 

Laced-up shoes reflect a sense of security and caution. High heels stand a little taller and stronger. Boots protect from the wet and winter chill. The importance is to pull a pair on and go. God’s Peace cushions our steps, help us walk a little taller, and protects us from the jagged shards we walk on to get to Him. 

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Layers signify preparation. Ready for whether the AC is blaring or the heat is cranked; the chill awaiting the walk to the car or the hot flash that rears it’s ugly head mid-song. 

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). 

God speaks His Word to us in layers. The same verse has the capability to speak to us in times of suffering and blessing. Layers remind us what our hearts are made of: layers of His love.

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There always has to be that someone that wears a Steelers jersey to church amidst the hundreds of grieving Browns fans. It also flattens the divide between rivals to worship the same God together. It may be just about sports, but what happens on the field and through fans has the ability to transcend the game. 

“If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?” (Matthew 5:47). 

Remembering who Jesus befriended causes us to extend friendship in the same direction He did—to everybody, and especially in His house.

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We’re all accessorized with a screen, and sitting down in a church that welcomes the “check-in” is a good sign of relevant reach.

The Bible says, “They do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world” (John 17:16, NET),  but we do undeniably live in it. 

Checking into church is a way to reach out. It’s a telling sign that amidst all of the other important things worth posting in life, what we choose to do on Sunday is one of them.

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One can tell a lot about a woman that didn’t even have time to swipe concealer under her eyes before leaving the house. A plethora of tearful moments might have her reeling in pain, doing everything it took just to stand in healing worship. Those are the people God puts in our line of focus to rally around in silent prayer, a shoulderplaced hand, an understanding glance, or a compassionate hug.

“The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he delivers those who are discouraged” (Psalm 34:18). 

There are moments laced within every season of suffering when we are an arm’s length away from giving up. God promises to be near to the brokenhearted, and we are His arms of embraced hope.

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One hand up and the other clutching java. Millennials wear it as an accessory. Parents of young children depend on it to hold their eyelids open. Whichever end of the spectrum we land on, there’s no denying that coffee has become a love language in this country. Parents stand on common grounds knowing they aren’t the only ones being propped up by ground beans. 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25).  

Handing a hurried parent a cup of coffee as they rush from dropping their kids off to catch the last worship song is encouragement. Coffee, togetherness? Don’t put anything past our great God.

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New trends are shocking to old minds. Some new trends are shocking to what seems to be just about every mind. But if we all look back upon our own streaks of rebellion, we can not only sympathize with piercings that catch our glance down the row, but also feel a hint of understanding.

“There is a time for everything …” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  

But no one is privy to when. It’s easy to quickly judge generations and choices, but it’s not our duty. The one thing we can be certain about time is that it’s fleeting, and our time to love on people in the name of Jesus is limited. 

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There is a certain glory we give to God when we take the time to coordinate ourselves to stand in His presence. They are the ones who seem comfortable in their own skin, because they’ve dedicated every square inch of it to Christ. A matching outfit or ironed shirt isn’t required to enter the presence of God. Scuffed shoes and an unshaven face are equally loved by God. 

It’s not about being loved more or feeling worthy. We know we are loved, and we know He calls us worthy; In fact, He calls us friends. Dressing to impress Jesus doesn’t “impress” Him, but it’s an OK way to give Him glory. He deserves our praise …our best effort. Coming from the self-proclaimed favorite himself, John reminds, 

“I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15).

Meg Bucher writes about everyday life within the love of Christ on her blog, http://sunnyand80.org. “Mom” is the most important calling on her life, next to encouraging others to seek Him first … authentically. A writer, dance mom, substitute teacher, youth worship leader/teacher and Bible Study leader, she can often be found having some kind of an adventure in the small little lake town where she resides with her husband of ten years, two daughters, and their Golden-doodle.