The following article utilizes a couple of recent incidents with which most people are familiar. This is not a political article even though the familiar incidents involved politics. This article is about how proper decorum is failing in our society of today. – Rev. Bill Harrell
In this present world there are fewer and fewer people who even know what the word “decorum” means. They don’t understand that each and every situation one might find themselves in calls for a certain decorum. The meaning of the word “decorum” is this: “propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance.” One may ask: “Brother Bill, why are you writing about something called “decorum?” Let me explain and then I think you will see my purpose.
A good example of proper decorum was presented to the American public a few days ago when the leader of Ukraine came to the White House to meet with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Preparations were made and all the pomp and circumstance were on display as Mr. Zelensky was welcomed at the White House. I had just asked my wife if she thought Mr. Zelensky would come to this important meeting of two world leaders dressed as he normally does in a long-sleeved tee shirt with cargo pants or if he would dress appropriately considering where he was visiting and who he was meeting with. Well, I got my answer when he stepped out of the limo which brought him to the meeting at the White House with the President of the United States. Donald Trump made a comment that showed his own disappointment at the lack of proper decorum when he said something like: “Look, he dressed up today.” This example of lack of decorum should help people understand the meaning of the word. His manner of dress revealed how he felt about where he was and who he was to meet with. He was not dressed appropriately according to proper decorum, and he certainly didn’t act as if he had respect for the place or the people he was meeting. His dress for this occasion matched his attitude. It didn’t work out very well for him did it?
This is just one blaring example which helps explain the word and practice of proper decorum. In the not so distant past when I was a young person coming along, parents taught their children how to conduct themselves and how to present themselves in dress with the varying situations in life. I told our church many times that if a good pair of blue jeans and a knit shirt was the best one had to wear then it was fine to wear them to church and come before God in worship. But, if they had a nice suit hanging in the closet, don’t wear the jeans and tee shirt. Why? Because we are coming into God’s House to worship the God of the universe. We are not coming to a concert by a Country and Western star. I posed this situation to our people: “If one received a phone call asking them to be in the Oval Office at 9 a.m. the following Wednesday what would they do? And, then I suggested that if they didn’t have a suit, they would hurry out and buy one along with a new shirt, tie and shoes. They would do this because of where they were going and who they were to visit with. Proper “decorum” urged them to be dressed properly for the situation in which they found themselves. Now, if we would do this for the President of the United States, then why don’t we do it when we are coming into a holy place set apart for the worship of God? If we would dress our best to visit with the President, why don’t we do the same thing when we come before the One who is the creator of the universe and who will judge us at the proper time?
Another good example which perfectly explains good decorum took place when our President addressed a joint session of Congress March 4th. One may not agree with a leader, they may not even like him, but the Office of President should be respected anyway. But the opposing political party completely violated good manners and judgment during the speech. They violated what we know as decorum a concept that seems to be dying in these days. Those watching on television saw a group of adults, elected representatives, acting like petulant fifteen year-old kids in high school who were responding to peer pressure. I have confidence that some of them knew what was right to do but they were seemingly afraid of the consequences of response or agreement with what was said. One does not have to agree to display proper decorum and respect. In addition, one may not like the person speaking at such an event, but they could show proper decorum for where they were and for the momentous event which they were attending. I’ve never seen anything like it in my lifetime! I was totally taken a-back when the Representative from Houston, Texas created the scene on the floor of the Joint Session of Congress. Unbelievable! Where was any semblance of decorum and proper manners and action?
Now, let’s bring this home where we live and where we worship the God of the universe. If there has ever been a place and activity which demands proper decorum it is in our churches where we come before God. In scripture, God gives us some instructions about our respect for Him and how we are to present ourselves before him in both appearance and actions. In other words, He expects us to have the proper decorum as pertaining to where we are and who we are coming before. Mr. Zelensky showed us an example of violating proper decorum in his appearance and in his actions at the meeting with our President. It is a good example of what we should not do when dealing with God in worship.
One of the things God shows us is that He expects the BEST from us when we come into His presence.
In times past, Sunday worship was a time when people put on their “Sunday clothes” with the intent that they were the best they had. They were clean and proper for where they were going. They hung in the closet in reserve for the time of worship. Rarely were those special clothes worn to any other event except maybe a wedding or a funeral. But on Sunday they were removed from the closet and worn out of respect for where they were going and what they were going to be doing….worshipping God. It was a holy time and a holy activity and people presented themselves properly. They showed proper decorum. In addition, everyone acted differently when coming before God in His House. They were quiet and attentive. They were respectful of the preacher and others. It was a different day of the week, Sunday, and with the worship going on, it demanded a different decorum.
What happens in a courtroom when a person does not adhere to the proper decorum? If lawyers violate the proper actions in court, they are warned and then fined if they don’t correct themselves. If people disturb the atmosphere of a trial, they are held in contempt and expelled from the courtroom if they don’t correct their actions. The judge is charged with handling improper decorum for the trial. What do the lawyers, and their clients look like. They are dressed in a suit or a nice dress. If necessary, they went shopping to acquire the clothing necessary for a good impression. Why? Because they wanted to look respectful and be respectful before the judge and the jury. So, we do that for the courtroom and the judge but its then all right to do the opposite when we come before God?
I don’t think so.
I can hear it now….”But, Brother Bill, man looks on the outside but God looks on the heart.” Does that mean that God doesn’t care about the way we come before Him? I don’t think so. I repeat what I said earlier in this article. “If all one has is a faded pair of jeans and a wrinkled tee shirt….if its the best they have, then wear it to worship. God knows the heart and its intentions and He knows the situation with the wearer. But, if a fine suit is in one’s closet; don’t wear the jeans and tee shirt. Wear the best you have to come before God. If we can do it for a judge in a courtroom, we should do it for God. Show the proper respect and decorum for where you are. And, this especially applies to the Pastor who is God’s representative before the people. Most people look to the pastor for spiritual leadership. If he looks like he just washed his dog when he comes to the holy pulpit, then the people will follow that example and that is what is happening in many, many pulpits today. If one will read the scripture where God designed the clothing the Priest was suppose to wear and see how intricately the Lord said how he wanted it to be made, then they will get a better idea of what He thinks about how people come before Him especially in their official duties and pastor and proclaimer of the Word of God.
You, see, proper decorum is vitally important for human interactions with each other and with our worship of God. We get enough of the lack of Proper Decorum in dealing with the world. We certainly should not fail at it when it comes to the Worship of God.
