Letter From the Editor’s Desk: The Importance of Presenting Yourself to God Holy and Clean

When I was a child, my father was in charge of managing several nightclubs known as the “Chitlin Circuits.” These small neighborhood venues hosted performances by many artists who later became famous. They offered food and live entertainment. On Saturday mornings, I would accompany my father to help put up advertising signs on posts. He preferred to stay in the car.

I would observe as he prepared the barbecue for the evening and set out the pickled eggs. He would visit each venue to ensure they were clean and in order. He would also contact the performers, especially those coming from out of town, to make sure they were scheduled to appear. The hat check girls were always present. It’s interesting how while my mother, sister, and I went to church without fail every Sunday, my father managed these clubs.

I remember one day when my father was putting up a sign on the door that said, “Shirt and shoes required.” I found it amusing. Why would people go out at night for fun without wearing shoes and a shirt? He explained to me that when people are expected to dress their best, they tend to behave their best. That’s why upscale clubs in big cities enforce strict dress codes. They want to avoid incidents like fights breaking out and their premises being damaged once people have had a few drinks.

There’s an old saying that goes, “Many of us live our lives recklessly and then expect everything to fall into place in the end.” We consume anything without considering the consequences for our health as we grow older. Why should we expect to come into the presence of God without showing respect?

The transformative power of the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and the Blood of Jesus results in a true believer who is holy and pure in God’s sight.

Over the years, as I’ve been attending church, I’ve observed a range of attire among the congregation. Some people make an effort to dress nicely when they come to church, while others wear very tight jeans or outfits that are quite provocative. It’s evident that these individuals might have a love for God, but they may not fully understand His will or who He truly is. God is holy.

Many of us are still in a stage where we rely on basic teachings and need to progress beyond that. We grow into mature believers when we have a genuine desire to know God deeply and worship Him with an authentic heart and sincere spirit.

I came across an interesting statistic stating that singing 10 to 13 songs a day can reduce depression by 80% and promote joyful states of mind with positive attitudes. It’s surprising that people often resort to expensive medications and pay significant amounts to doctors in search of these kinds of results.

However, many of us have yet to undergo this transformation. For instance, I once heard a pastor at church advising that women over 50 should avoid wearing skirts above the knee. These women may not be aware that they should dress in a manner that doesn’t create temptations or distractions for others, especially when coming to a sacred place to pray to God. They may not consider the impact their attire can have on individuals struggling with issues like sexual addiction or married couples working through problems. In some countries, women are even persecuted or punished for wearing Western-style clothing.

It’s disheartening to witness instances where young men walk into the church with their pants sagging, partially revealing their underwear, alongside their wives and children. There are also women who wear dresses with deep cleavages, exposing their breasts, as well as individuals wearing tight and inappropriate attire. Some men even come in shorts, and a few even wear running shorts without any underwear while entering the house of the Lord for prayer and worship. It’s puzzling to understand their thought process and intentions in such situations.

I remember a particular Sunday when a woman over 40 wore a nice dress with matching slide-on shoes. However, she chose to kick off her shoes during the entire service, behaving as if she was in her own living room. I couldn’t help but wonder about the sanitation aspect of such an action.

Although God invites us to come as we are, it is essential not to stay in that state. We should allow the Word of God to work within us, transforming us into a state of holiness and cleanliness. The Holy Spirit is there to guide and assist us in this process.

I wondered why God chose the Jews. I thought it might be because they were very disciplined in their devotion and praise, and had strict rules on how the people were to conduct themselves in holiness. They prayed three times a day and wore covering attire. Families were orderly, and God was spoken of highly and often.

The Jews were a distinct people from the other nations of the world. They had their own language, culture, and religion. This made them uniquely suited to be the people through whom God would bring salvation.

It is also important to note that God’s choice of the Jews was not exclusive. God’s salvation is available to all people, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity. However, the Jews played a special role in God’s plan of salvation. They were the ones through whom the Messiah came, and they are the ones who have been entrusted with the Old Testament, which is a key part of the Christian faith.

In the end, the reasons why God chose the Jews to bring salvation through are a mystery. But one thing is for sure: God’s choice was not arbitrary. It was a wise and loving choice, and it has brought salvation to the world.

A whole race of people were chosen and blessed by God because of their devotion, holiness, and cleanliness unto God. Later, there were other stories, but this makes a point.

We are to reverence the Lord and not be too casual when we come to his house. We are to teach our children this as well. The Lord commands us to give him our best always.

The story of Cain and Abel is the story of the first murder in the Bible. Cain killed his brother Abel because Abel gave the best of his flock as an offering to God, while Cain did not. God was not pleased with Cain. Cain became jealous of Abel because God was pleased with Abel’s offering. When God asked Cain where Abel was, Cain replied, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” God heard Abel’s blood crying out from the ground, then God cursed Cain.

We are to revere, obey, and respect the Lord. People dress their best for job interviews and first dates because it is important to them. Do you not believe that God, the creator of heaven and earth, God who saved the world, deserves your best on the Sabbath, a  holy day? I did not say what you should wear, but most people have something a little nicer than casual tight jeans, shorts and mini skirts. Thrift stores and the Salvation Army can give you a whole outfit for five dollars. Many churches have clothes closets where you can get proper attire for free.

However, I find that wardrobe choices are mostly based on how people feel about God. Your attitude determines your altitude. My aunts used to tell me, “It doesn’t matter how many outfits you have. If you have to wear the same things all the time, make sure they are clean and sew up any holes. That is what is important. Always put forth your best, and God will bless you with and meet you at your point of need.”

Matthew 6:33 KJV  “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV   ¹⁶Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? ¹⁷If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.