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I had a telephone call the other day. The gentleman on the other end wanted to know if he could bring his brother-in-law who was recently saved to church with him. He worried that his brother-in-law's appearance would be a problem because his brother-in-law had long hair and was Mexican. Of course, I said he was more than welcome to bring his brother-in-law.
Now that made me think, how many others are out there that might wonder whether or not their family and friends, or they themselves, are welcome in church because of their appearance? Or, for that matter, how many drivers would like to visit a church while on the road but worry about the reception they might get when they roll in after driving all day. Let's face it, not every driver carries a suit and tie and a pair of shiny black dress shoes in his truck.
Listen, if we want to reach people for Christ we have to welcome them as they are. After all, someone who is not saved or has only recently been saved cannot be expected to look and act like a senior saint immediately, especially when they have been on the road for the last several days!
Don't get me wrong. I am not advocating the "come as you are and leave as you came" mentality. I believe that we should want to look as nice as possible when we come to church. However, for some drivers, that may mean brushing the crumbs off their blue jeans, tucking in their flannel shirt and running their fingers through their hair as they hop out of the cab and head into the church.
The important thing is that they are "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25)". Besides, most drivers, like most church members, what to look reasonably presentable when they attend church. Their lack of an extensive traveling wardrobe, or the time to stop at the truck stop for a fresh shave and shower, should not prevent them from attending.
Regardless of your attire, we want you to feel welcome at our church. James 2:1-4 says: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. 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; 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: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"
Don't let your lack of fancy clothes prevent you from coming to church with us. If you have time to spruce up, that's great. If you don't, come on in anyway! You can even park your rig in our parking lot!
God bless! We hope to see you soon...On the Highway!
—Pastor Al |
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