Church Courtesies...

Beliefs may vary from faith to faith but there are without question, certain courtesies that are shared irregardless of where and to whom we worship.  
Let's consider Promptness: I am bemused by those who are reliably late yet feel compelled to usher themselves down the isle to find seating at the front of a service. Is it their dress, hair style, or a new suit they feel all should see or just plain thoughtlessness? If you are late, your preferred seating choice should be those closest to the door you came through. Otherwise, you disturb the rest of us and we could care less about your new hair style.

Let's consider Dress: Now there are those who say "come as you are" because they are just happy to have you attend. Really? While this may pose a surface sincerity (because all is well as long as you don't sit next to them), I beg to differ on the idea itself. You see over the years, on those many occasions I've been privy to diverse company, I have learned that when it comes to matters of church attendence, most people understand appropriate dress. I am not refering to blue jeans vs. a suit and tie, but rather plunging necklines, thigh-high hemlines, form fitting dresses, and the gym clothes that have become so common in the pews. Why is it that we readily accept and honor the dress code and tee times of a golf course, dinner reservations and dress code of restaurants, and respect employer policies on dress and punctuality, but give our church presence such negligent consideration? Humm, I think some of us are just too lazy to care and others just push the envelope because they feel they can. Sadly, too many church leaders and administrators won't address such matters of disrespect because they either want to appear hip and inclusive, have no backbone, or simply don't want to rock any boats that may challenge their paycheck.

My we do have it backwards...