Thanks for your comment. The church referred to was Southern Baptist. I was thinking more in general terms. I myself like wearing jeans and when I was younger shorts. However just as the church was far more formal years ago it is now often dressed down a lot. Pastors and deacons should not overly care what people think but while dress should never be overly emphasized, they should respect their position of servanthood. This is why I think the more formal pastors should dress down occasionally and those who always dress down should consider more formality.
You didn't say what denomination you were, but maybe it doesn't matter. I attend a United Methodist church that has lay folks help with the elements. I've never really noticed what they were wearing. It didn't make any different to the congregation whether they wore suits or casual. I grew up Catholic and my wife is Lutheran, and those giving the elements always wore vestments of some sort.
I admit that just because something has Eastern or mystic roots does not make it evil and yes a lot depends on teachers of such arts. However. So much of them like yoga is actually Eastern mystical practice and worship. the importance of understanding where such items are based is important because of the dangers to suffocating ones first love which should be Christ. It is not coincidence that individuals involved in such practices often have an extra amount of messed up in their lives. Satan is a counterfeiter and if he can't dominate our senses through something like lust or more obvious addiction why not through hidden sensuality or even hidden homage to pagan deities?
I don't think I've ever associated yoga, martial arts, dancing, or healthcare with evil. Some of those things definitely have their roots in Eastern culture, but I don't know that I believe that equates to something being evil. Although I suppose, like with most things, evil is more about the intention behind its use rather than the thing itself...
Sovereignty or the right of self-rule is an interesting concept as ultimately there is only One who is self-ruled.
Ironically many of the individuals talking about sovereign rights of Venezuela in defense of its dictator are the same ones who deny honest citizens rights and seek to empower government in the place of the almighty. Ultimately sovereignty like individual rights comes from God and are given taken away by Him. All nations and leaders have certain divine rights, but they also have certain responsibilities and when these are neglected misused such authorities and nations will suffer. Scripture says that righteousness exalts nations, but sin is a reproach to any people any people (Proverbs 14:34).
All Writing.Com images are copyrighted and may not be copied / modified in any way. All other brand names & trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
Generated in 0.16 seconds at 6:57pm on Jan 09, 2026 via server WEBX2.
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
Puzzle Hub
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
