Are We Too Casual With Our Worship Attire?

I once heard a report of a recently converted "hippie" who was leading the congregation in his first public prayer. Much to the chagrin of the rest of the church, he began his prayer with, "Hey Daddio, what's happening?" Most would agree that regardless of his recent conversion, the young man should have known to be reverent toward God Almighty.
Well we might empathize with those who were uncomfortable and embarrassed. However, I have observed while visiting with various congregations around the country something that is almost as disturbing. It is the casual approach to worship which is reflected in our manner of dress. Many are willing to arrive at the place of worship with an unkempt appearance. I have witnessed tee shirts, faded and torn denim jeans, unlaced tennis shoes, shorts, mini-skirts, and often shirts advertising rock bands, cults, suntan lotions, and booze. Some of this reflects only the casual attitude that many have toward worship and some of it is downright immodest and ungodly!
Casual is defined as: "Showing little interest; nonchalant: a casual manner; Without ceremony or formality; Suited for everyday wear or use; Not serious. (American Heritage Dictionary).
Our approach to God should reflect our reverence for Him. We should demonstrate respect, awe, and fear in His presence. Godly men of old were careful and respectful in such circumstances. Consider Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5ff). We are invited to...... come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16), but I doubt this invitation implies a right to approach God in a casual way. Many have treated our Father with much less respect than they would one of our elected officials such as the President of the United States.
Might we learn from the Scriptures something about what the manner of our dress should reflect while worshipping? Under the Old Covenant, God required specific dress of those who would offer worship to God. "And thou shalt make holy garments for Aaron thy brother for glory and for beauty.. that they may make Aaron's garments to consecrate him, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. . . and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." (Exodus 28:2-4). "And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office." (Exodus 40:13). These garments were not only for glory and for beauty, but they were also to be clean and modest. "And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach." (Exodus 28:42) and, "He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on." (Leviticus 16:4). Although the lessons of Matthew 22:2-14 may not primarily focus on attire for worship, we might be wise to learn from the one who "had not on a wedding garment" when he came to the wedding!
I am aware of the old debater's adage "that which proves too much, proves nothing at all." Therefore, be assured I do not wish to appear as one trying to prove that we should wear special robes as priestly garments today, or even that formal attire (suit, tie, handkerchief, gown, etc.) is necessary before acceptable worship can be made to God. However, I ask, should we approach our God dressed in a manner that shows little interest, is nonchalant, and suited only for everyday wear or use, and might even appear to demonstrate a measure of irreverence?
R. David Brewer