Once an old cowboy, feeling himself in need of religion, determined to visit a congregation in a town where he was stopping.
When the appointed time arrived, the fellow entered the church and took his seat. Although his clothes were spotlessly clean, he wore jeans, a denim shirt and boots that were very worn and ragged. In his hand he carried a worn out old hat and equally worn-out Bible.
The remainder of the congregation was dressed with somewhat more expensive clothes and accessories.
As the cowboy took a seat, there was a rustling of displeasure at his appearance.
The preacher gave a long “hellfire and damnation” message, followed by a stern lecture as to how much money the church needed to do its good work.
As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him and said, “Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worship.”
Sometime later the same man appeared, with unchanged attire. The preacher approached him and began, “I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church.”
“I did,” came the reply.
“If you spoke to God, what did He tell you the proper attire should be?”
“Well, sir, God told me that He didn’t have a clue what I should wear. He’s never been here before.”