"Dress Up Day"

 

“Dress Up Day”

 

During my high school years the Student Government designated Fridays as “Dress Up Day”. The usual daily attire back then was what would be viewed today as dressy casual (jeans and shorts for all and pants for girls were no-no’s) but “Sunday best” was encouraged on the last day of the school week. Some always complied, some occasionally (including yours truly) and others never. It’s interesting that today’s culture often calls Friday “Dress Down Day”—check it out the next time you’re in a bank or professional office—one of the myriad of changes we’ve seen over the past couple of generations.

In the Old Testament priestly garments were made and worn according to God’s directions. An entire chapter (Exodus 28) is devoted to these instructions and in the next chapter (29:29-30) the clothing to be worn by the high priest receives special emphasis because of his unique responsibilities. Each part of the priestly attire symbolized God’s presence among the Israelites and ultimately pointed to Christ.

One of the pictures of our lives as God’s people is how we “dress”. The New Testament word translated “clothe” or “put on” appears 28 times and likens our new life in Christ to donning new garments. Some examples include (emphasis added in each case):

*”…Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24).

*”Clothe yourselves with the armor of right living, as those who live in the light.” (Romans 13:12, NLT—see also Ephesians 6:11).

*”Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12).

One more merits our attention; “Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another….” (1 Peter 5:5). The Greek word is used only here in the New Testament and refers to a servant’s apron. Think of the many possible applications to our life and service.

What’s our “Dress Up Day”? Based on the above statements shouldn’t it be every day? So let’s “Dress (ourselves) in Christ, and be up and about.” (Romans 13:14, TM).

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(For more on how this figure is used see the series of ten articles beginning with “Dressing Ourselves” as well as “A Routine Day?”)