Why are there dress “standards” at Armstrong Auditorium, Imperial Academy, Armstrong College, Philadelphia Youth Camp, Church activities and Sabbath services?
Is it a new phenomenon originating with our pastor general, the ministry or your parents? The standards that God set in His Church in the Philadelphia era are continued today. The way we clothe ourselves reveals much about us.
The 1970s saw Herbert W. Armstrong traveling the globe preaching God’s gospel witness in person at the request of world leaders (Matthew 24:14). During that time, the standards within the Church faltered.
On May 21, 1979, he personally addressed the subject of clothing in the Worldwide News: “In some of our churches, members never think of dressing up but come in slovenly attire, overalls, blue jeans, tennis shoes, any kind of slouchy sports clothes.”
By way of illustration, he recounted an experience meeting the president of Israel on Dec. 1, 1968. They were about to jointly announce the cooperation between Hebrew University, Archaeology Society and Ambassador College for a project at Jerusalem’s Temple Mount.
Before the meeting, Mr. Armstrong had stopped to pick up the secretary of the national exploration society. As they exited his office, he told Mr. Armstrong, “Wait a minute. We’re going into the presence of the president of Israel. I must wear a jacket.” Mr. Armstrong recounted: “He had started with us with only a sport shirt, unbuttoned at the neck. But going into the presence of the head of state, he knew he must have on a jacket.”
Oftentimes, Mr. Armstrong would be better dressed than the world leader or dignitary he was meeting with. They called him an “ambassador for world peace.” They noticed he selected clothes in such a way as to not be overly flashy, but with a stylish conservative edge. He encouraged us to dress in the best we could afford and to deeply consider that we are coming before God in His Church to receive His truth at services.
For a teen in the Church, people coming to services in sweats, jeans and sportswear is perhaps unimaginable. Tragically, however, those lower standards returned rapidly after Mr. Armstrong’s death.
On Dec. 7, 1989, the Philadelphia Church of God began with two well-attired ministers. From there, our first Sabbath had 12 sharply dressed attendees, consisting of five men and seven women. Thereafter, in congregations around the world, a growing membership of faithful men, women and children assembled in an atmosphere of recapturing true values.
We didn’t dress in everyday wear. We were reminded and instructed in the standards that had been left in ruin by those poisoned by that 1970s rebellion who saw them as old-fashioned, prudish, oppressive and unnecessary. Suits, sports coats, dresses, skirts and blouses appeared in the congregations.
Over the past 24 years, standards have dramatically lowered in the world. Consequently, that has reinforced the need to emphasize even more what we wear, when we wear it, and why we wear it in God’s Church.
The restoration of the youth camp, primary school, high school, college, foundation and auditorium have raised our level of morality and character, and with it, our clothing standard. That impact cannot be undervalued nor underestimated.
It has been said that example is the most powerful teaching tool. Some years ago, accompanied by a deacon, I visited a new contact who was eager to attend services. He was a single in his early 20s and had had no previous contact, affiliation or knowledge of the Church until watching The Key of David online.
As we rolled into his driveway, he was already at the door waving to us, dressed in a suit and tie. The aroma of a cake baking and coffee brewing greeted us as we entered his small home. After shaking hands, our ears detected soft music, recognizable as the Philadelphia Singers playing in the background. As we walked by his bookcase full of Church literature, he motioned for us to be seated on his couch.
As the meeting began, I asked him why he had gone to such effort and from where he had learned of these standards? “Well, from The Key of David, the Trumpet, Royal Vision and literature” came his answer. “I asked God in prayer before you arrived: What should I wear and how should I prepare to meet representatives of the one true Church?” This is but one example of many who have been moved, inspired and stirred to action by God through responding to His warning message.
Sabbath, formal, casual and active wear all have their proper place and time (Ecclesiastes 3). God is watching us. He knows our thoughts and motives (Psalm 33:13-15).
Do we really want to be in God’s Kingdom? We all answer, “Yes,” but as Mr. Armstrong pointed out in his article, the way we dress could actually keep us out of God’s Family (Matthew 22:11-13).
As we thank God daily for the many blessings He has showered upon us, let’s be sure to take time to think before we clothe ourselves our way, rather than His way. Ask your parents for their input and guidance; after all, you are sanctified and set apart for a holy purpose through their believing obedience (1 Corinthians 7:14). As His teenagers, you have a vital personal responsibility in dressing according to a standard that fell into ruin and is being raised to righteousness.