Many churches in China highly emphasize holiness and reverence for God, which can sometimes be overly conservative and traditional. This focus often results in external practices and "regulations" that, when overly stressed, may hinder people from drawing near to God.
A congregation in East China once faced such a challenge. Fortunately, the issue was noticed by Elder Li, who solved it wisely through timely communication with the affected church members.
Over two decades ago, Elder Li noticed the repeated absence of several Christian women from church gatherings. Upon investigation, she discovered that the women were delayed because they felt compelled to return home and change out of their work uniform skirts before attending church, for some elderly members believed that wearing skirts to church was inappropriate.
In response, Elder Li firmly stated that this mindset was "completely misguided." She affirmed that wearing a skirt below the knee is totally fine for church attendance, clarifying that only short skirts should be avoided. She cited the example of Western churches, where believers can attend services in skirts, suits, and other formal attire.
To help correct such misconceptions, Elder Li also implemented a reform by modifying the choir's attire. "Brothers wear dress pants, and sisters wear knee-length (mid-length) skirts," she explained, aiming to shift their mindset. "If these ideas are not corrected, they can become stumbling blocks for many."
Beyond dress codes, Elder Li noted that some older Christians hold the belief that believers should not wear bracelets, earrings, rings, or necklaces. She countered this by stating that dressing in a shabby manner does not bring glory to God.
Elder Li, now in her sixties, shared that she dyes her hair as well. She stated that there is nothing wrong with perming or dyeing one's hair, as long as it is done in an appropriate manner and not in overly unconventional colors. "At the very least, one should be sensible," she remarked. Regarding clothing, she emphasized that Christians can wear nice clothes—those with financial means can afford more expensive attire, while others can choose more affordable options, as long as they dress appropriately. She added that wearing Zhongshan suits holds no value if one does not truly follow the way of Jesus or live according to God's Word.
She stressed, "Preaching must be clear, with the core message centered on Christ and His crucifixion." When it comes to daily life choices, she said, "If you desire to eat meat, then do so; if not, eat vegetables." Her point was that Christians should not impose excessive restrictions on themselves. "Why say you can't do this or that—what truly can't be done?" she asked. Referring to the apostle Paul, she noted that one could even eat food offered to idols if unaware, but should refrain if it might cause others to stumble. She concluded by saying that excessive traditionalism and conservatism, where everything is considered off-limits, can ultimately "drive many people away."
On one occasion, Elder Li asked a young woman attending church where her boyfriend was. The woman replied, "He's smoking outside." Elder Li immediately responded, "Please invite him in," explaining that his smoking was a result of lacking God's truth. She went on to say that some people may drink a small amount of alcohol for health reasons, while others choose not to drink at all out of love for the Lord. However, the Bible does not prohibit drinking entirely, nor does it state that those who drink cannot enter the church, while it only warns against drunkenness. Therefore, she emphasized that individuals who smoke, drink, or curse are still welcome in church. "Even those rejected by the prison system," she said, "can still be accepted here."
Elder Li also addressed the misconception held by some that Christians should not speak or dine with non-believers. She argued that if believers avoid sharing meals with non-Christians, how can they allow God's blessing through prayer at the table to be a testimony and opportunity for sharing the gospel?
She further noted that some parents hesitate to wear jewelry bought by their children. In response, she encouraged freedom in such personal choices, "You can do whatever you want in life, such as wearing jewelry if you wish." She added that putting on makeup and becoming more beautiful can also be a way of reflecting the glory of God.
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edited and translated by Poppy Chan
