Sunday Best

On the first day you shall hold a holy assembly, and on the seventh day a holy assembly. No work shall be done on those days. – Exodus 12:16

Church isn’t exactly a place we can be ourselves. After all, we call the clothes we wear on Sunday, our “Sunday Best” for a reason. Take a moment this Sunday and ask the people sitting around you, “How are you doing?” I guarantee you everyone of their answers will be, “Great!”

The problem is, we’re not all, “great”.

Many of us are depressed, disappointed, and doubting. We tack on false smiles while inside our soul is screaming. We nod our head in agreement while our hearts wander. Sunday isn’t exactly a day for honesty. Can I show you something refreshingly different?

My tears have been my food day and night. (Psalm 42:3)

Why, Lord, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1)

I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. (Psalm 6:6)

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These words were written by a depressed, disappointed, and doubting man. The words certainly don’t sound “great”. However, this man is said to be one of the greatest heroes of our faith. His line would eventually bring about the Savior of the world and God himself spoke of David as “a man after my own heart.” (Acts. 13:22) I wonder how comfortable David would be in most of our churches?

What if our “Sunday Best” is not what God wants at all? What if all he’s ever wanted is our honesty, regardless of how “great” that looks?

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. (Psalm 51:16-17)

Do me a favor this Sunday, leave your Sunday best at home. They’re usually uncomfortable and we’d rather wear something else anyway. Dare to be honest and watch how you refresh those around you. Put on your favorite jeans, those comfy shoes, or even the shirt you wore last night. Show them a faith with warts, wrinkles, and stains on it. Reveal a life following Jesus that’s not always, “great”.

You may just wind up a hero.