“Clothe your brother, Aaron, and his sons with these garments, and then anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them so they can serve as my priests.”

A couple of weekends ago Patti and I attended a church in Savannah, Georgia.  The service was held in a theater and the service was oriented to the students at Savannah College of Arts and Design (SCAD).  The pastor was preaching from the book of Exodus and he was describing the specificity of God’s instructions for those who were building the ark of the covenant.  As he was going through this he mentioned the clothing of the high priests and how their clothes were so detailed and ornate that the kings wanted to be attired in them. He went on to say that how we dress is an interesting part of being human.  We will buy a new outfit or wear something special just so we feel good and more confident in ourselves.  It made me think of the uniforms that some people are required to wear to  work and how that uniform can either add to the pride of their work and job, or be a serious detractor and demoralizing effect. If the uniform/attire we are asked (expected) to wear only brings us down, or worse embarrasses us, then we are pretty sure to be looking for another job before long.

What we wear does also say something about us.  I don’t consider myself a prude, but I am careful about what images or words show up on clothing I wear.  There is the popular French clothing store that has a four-letter word that if one isn’t paying attention the mind makes us think of the expletive. I won’t wear that brand.  I also don’t wear tee-shirts that either suggest something that might offend or cause confusion.  That said, I probably under dress more than I over dress and some might perceive me as being too casual or not taking all as serious as I should.  The point here is not to be a fashion police or a sartorial expert.  The point is actually that how we carry and present ourselves makes a difference.  If daily we put on the attire (figuratively) of Christ and we hit the door with an upbeat, encouraging and caring attitude, then it makes a difference in the eyes of others.  But, if we drag ourselves into the office as if we are wearing a leaden straight jacket, then that too tells a story. So, what will be the outfit for today?

Reference: Exodus 28:41 (New Living Translation)