11.05.2011

Dressed Up

What is up with little boys at church these days?! Is it really appropriate to wear shorts and polos? No no no! I know this isn't unique to Texas because we had the same problem in New York.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “When entering the house of the Lord... our clothing or footwear need never be expensive, indeed should not be expensive, but neither should it appear that we are on our way to the beach.” 


I understand dress clothes are expensive and kids grow so quickly. However, I feel like some people who are able to dress their kids well but they just don't care.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, “It is an affront to God to come into His house, especially on His holy day, not groomed and dressed in the most careful and modest manner that our circumstances permit... Some say dress and hair don’t matter—it’s what’s inside that counts. I believe that truly it is what’s inside a person that counts, but that’s what worries me. Casual dress at holy places and events is a message about what is inside a person. It may be pride or rebellion or something else, but at a minimum it says, ‘I don’t get it. I don’t understand the difference between the sacred and the profane.’”

Allowing your kids to wear the same clothes for school, play, and church teaches them that they can act the same in all of those places. Church is a special place. How we dress influences how we feel and act. If we dress appropriately for church, we are showing respect for ourselves, our Savior, and those around us. I hope Alex and Edison realize the importance of looking their best for church. I will do my best to always foster the importance of this standard in my children.

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11 comments:

Holly Decker said...

thanks for calling me to repentance... I totally believe in this principle, I just need to live it.

Michael L said...

I totally agree with you (as you know from how we dress Daniel for church). A lot of our church clothes for Daniel are second hand, or on sale, but we want to prepare him for dressing respectfully when he holds the priesthood. I think little girls are so cute in their beautiful dresses, shoes and hair bows, but there really is something very special about seeing a little boy nicely groomed and dressed for church.

Michael L said...

Sorry- I didn't realize I was posting as Michael... but this is Jenny. :) We miss you guys!

MattNeil said...

Good on you Emily. Those quotes are great and your boys are adorable. :)

Geevz said...

I think we should strive for the best, but I'm more concerned with people coming to church than what they or their kids are wearing.

But I also figure we would have a smokers' corner if all of us were really being solid missionaries.

Dress your kids in their fabulous outfits (I want a boy next simply for the church clothes :) ), offer your hand-me-downs to those you are worried about, then be happy they went through the effort of getting to church.

Jason & Shannon said...

I agree and I love their church outfits!

Little Lovables said...

It is very unfortunate that you have such a judgmental and narrow point of view. Holland's talk was towards the older crowd specifically, not towards little children. My little boys dress in their polos and nice khaki shorts, which is appropriate attire for a 3 and 6 year old, these are not 'play clothes'. We make sure their clothing is clean and unwrinkled. We style their hair. We teach them respect and reverence. They love going to church and they love talking about Jesus. I can assure you, they do NOT dress like this at the park, or beach. Holland spoke of the beach when he talked about women wearing flip flops to church. The beach and playground is where little boys wear their ugly old Spiderman tshirts and mismatched camouflage shorts that they love, because they are very independent and they wish to dress themselves. They do not dress the same at either place, nor do they act the same in either place. It is disheartening that people still think this way.

Stephanie said...

I always wanted my children to act that same way at home, at play, and at church. Isn't that the point?

Kami said...

I think this is such a judgmental way of thinking and in no way is this what GOD has shown us in the Bible. I grew up wearing my nice dresses to the Baptist church on Sundays and use to think people should try to dress nice for church, like that is what mattered! Then I realized a few years ago that God wants us to worship him and gather together and does not CARE what we have on. Who cares if your kids wear a suit or shorts (not that a polo is too shabby, good lord) or you have on your finest. I started going to a non-denomination church that (he grew up baptist and catholic) is the largest church of it's kind in the US. It went from 80 people to 3,000 every Sunday in 3 years. We have church in theaters. They welcome people off the street to come in. People from all walks of life show up to worship together. People wear jeans, jerseys, shorts. Jesus, preached to the sick, the needy, the poor, the thieves. Do you really think he cared what they wore or what we do today. I totally disagree with this post and pray you and the person you quoted will see what church is really all about. Maybe it will help you in other areas of your life. www.simplechurch.tv

Pattie said...

In my faith, we are not concerned with what people are wearing on their bodies. We are more concerned with their hearts. Luckily the people in my congregation don't take the time to judge other people based on their clothing. I would be very sad to be a part of a religion like that.

Unknown said...

Wow what a *itchy post. You need serious humbling. I'm so ashamed to share a religion with such pious people. You clearly know zero about Jesus and his teachings. Instead of spending time on writing such stupid posts pull at your bible and read it. Jesus cared not a twit about clothes. Zero Zilch. Nada.

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