Question from Youth – 9.24.08
Why is Derek wearing a hat during church?
I didn’t feel like this was a question for me to answer, so I texted Derek the question and he emailed me his response….
To be honest, the question caught me quite off guard. I enjoy wearing hats and I never thought that my wearing a hat would bring about any questions. I sat out to look for an answer to defend myself in scriptures, through close friends, and in my own twisted logic and I have come to one simple conclusion: I shouldn’t wear a hat at church. At first, I wanted to say that it’s no big deal and that I have freedom in Christ to wear what I want in a worship service, but I just can’t say it. Like it or not, we are all a part of this culture. This culture that tells us to write thank-you notes, to be respectful at funerals, and to stay off our cell phones in the movie theatre also tells us a few things about hat wear. For many years, it has been considered rude to wear hats indoors. I’m not saying that every time I see a hat inside, I get angry. However, with some people, it is an issue. But, even if a group of men wear their hats in their homes, in restaurants, at the post office, and at school concerts, they will take their hats off when the National Anthem is played. Why? Out of respect for their country. If we take off our hats to show respect for our country, shouldn’t our response be the same for our Lord and Savior? This is especially true since hat wear in church has always been considered a no-no. On top of that, Paul encourages us in his letter to the church of Corinth to be careful to not offend our fellow Christians or cause them to stumble. If my hat causes others in church to become offended, I shouldn’t wear it. So, out of respect for my God, I won’t be wearing hats in church anymore.
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