Necktie Redux

Letter in reply to Tim’s Ties, Formality, and Other Sundry Items essay.

The necktie thing is really too much. It looks like it’s supposed to be funny… but that’s just weird humor. Does God care what we wear? I don’t think so. I don’t see why people want to make this a big issue. Okay… maybe I am too. But I don’t wear anything “special” to church. I go because I want to.

- Anonymous

Tim Eaton replies:

Thanks for writing and sharing your thoughts on the article I wrote. Yes, it was written in a humorous way, but I think the point is valid: honor God in your dress. Make an earnest effort to please Him.

Ties are one of our culture’s way of showing respect. They aren’t necessarily comfortable – at first; you get to like them after a while – but they show that we care about the way we present ourselves.

The way I see it, is: Most of us would wear a tie to meet the president, or for an important job interview or a business meeting. Couldn’t we show at least the same amount of decorum before the Maker and Ruler of the Universe?

God looks primarily at our heart, but our actions matter, too. I’ll pull an example from pop culture. Well, pop culture from 1944, anyway:

Have you ever seen the Frank Capra movie, Arsenic and Old Lace? It’s about two old ladies who murder lonely old men as a charity. They saw these unhappy men deserted by the world, and saw how happy they looked after they died. The ladies decided to “help” everyone they could as soon as possible. Their heart attitude was exceptional – to help others out. But their actions were completely misguided.

Sometimes, also, outward actions are indicative of what’s in the heart. When I see someone coming to church in an orange Tommy Hilfiger shirt and gym pants, I think that maybe they’re a little too casual in their approach to God.

The heart attitude is definitely the most important aspect of coming before Almighty God. I just think that we should show that heart attitude externally in how we dress.

Related Links:
  ”Ties, Formality, and Other Items,” by Tim Eaton