Pisgah Church of Christ

"Come as you are" has become a very popular phrase in religious circles. This phrase extends an invitation to attend religious services. I must admit that I am not really sure what this phrase involves. Does it mean the type of dress that we are to wear? If it does, then I might suggest that we are not to attend religious services in just any type of clothing. There is clothing that is worn that is not even suitable for public showing. The Bible addresses this subject as divine writ addresses all subjects. "In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works." I Timothy 2:9-10. "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." I Peter 3:3-4. Apparel worn for public viewing should always be modest and that which displays a godly character. This, in my judgment, should also be true of the male as well. Certainly, the apparel which is worn to a religious service should display the desire to be godly. The very reason for which we attend a service of worship and praise is to become more godly. Our dress should indicate that we are seeking godliness. Dress always dictates the type of person that we are desiring to be and become. Immodest clothing would not be appropriate at a service of worship. In fact, immodest clothing is never appropriate.

Perhaps, this phrase refers to the character. Certainly, Jesus Christ has invited all manner of persons to follow Him. "I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Matthew 9:13. Notice the words, "to repentance." In order to follow Jesus, we must change our character. When we assemble to worship, we are coming into the presence of deity. "The true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship Him." John 4:23. God cannot be approached in any manner that we might desire. We must come into His presence "in spirit and in truth." The problem with religion today is that too many believe that we can approach God in any way that we desire. Cain had that very idea and God informed him that his worship was unacceptable. Genesis 4:3-7. Simply because we come together and worship does not mean that God is pleased. The church of God at Corinth had "come together not for the better, but for the worse." I Corinthians 11:17. They had the mistaken idea that they could "come as they are." God can only be approached as He had directed.

Also, we must come into the presence of the Divine Creator with a humbleness of spirit. "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Psalms 34:18. The new covenant of Jesus declares this same eternal truth: "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:6 and 10. Humility recognizes the greatness and majestic nature of God and willingly submits unto His will.

"Come as you are." Perhaps, we need to rethink this phrase. Let us come into the presence of the Almighty with proper attire and with a spirit that seeks only His will. Let us bring a character that seeks His restoration and leave that place of worship with a will that seeks His holiness and perfection in our daily life.

Back to Articles Index