What attire have you chosen for today? This isn’t about your physical clothing, but rather your spiritual uniform. Scripture offers profound insights into how we should dress ourselves once we embrace Jesus as our Savior. But do we truly put on these spiritual garments each day, or do we cling to our old “Uniform Clothes” of sin and worldliness, only displaying our faith when it’s convenient?
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” – Galatians 3:27 (NIV)
My father, an army officer, wore his uniform with pride every day. Similarly, during my time at the Virginia Military Institute, my uniform became a daily part of my identity. There’s a transformative power in wearing a uniform. Many professions utilize uniforms – doctors, nurses, firefighters, police officers, and even roles like repairmen and janitors. As Christians, we too are called to wear a “uniform clothes” that identifies us as followers of Christ.
“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Romans 13:14 (NIV)
Clothing does more than change our appearance; it communicates who we are and, importantly, it changes us from within. The act of putting on a uniform brings about a transformation. A judge, when robed, embodies more than their everyday persona. A police officer in uniform assumes an air of authority. A pastor in their vestments or a priest in their habit is transformed beyond just an individual. Baptism marks our spiritual dressing. God Himself clothes us in the “uniform clothes” of faith, making us resemble His Son, Jesus. Just as God clothed Adam and Eve physically, He clothes us spiritually.
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” – Genesis 3:21 (NIV)
Each day, we wake, eat, and choose our physical attire. However, before all else, we should first and foremost clothe ourselves in the presence of Jesus Christ. Is this your daily practice? Do you awaken as a transformed individual, radiating Christ from your very first breath? If you have children, do they witness your Christian “uniform clothes” from the moment you open your eyes? Or do they encounter impatience and a mere earthly parent, irritated by their morning challenges? Does your spouse experience the Christ-like love and respect they deserve? All of this embodies who we are meant to be in Jesus, and what being clothed in Him should communicate to the world. We should wear His character, acting in our official capacity as believers from the moment we awaken – not after coffee, not after fully waking, but from the very first breath of the day.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” – Colossians 3:12-15 (NIV)
Let’s examine ourselves and the “uniform clothes” we wear today. Have we clothed ourselves in Christ, and if so, when? Does this spiritual “uniform clothes,” put on before our physical garments, shine so brightly that it’s visible through our everyday attire, be it a business suit or any other “uniform clothes”? This introspection might be uncomfortable, but it’s how we are perceived by our families, friends, and the world. Wearing Christ as our “uniform clothes” transforms how we perform our worldly duties, whether as doctors, nurses, police officers, or pastors. What do we see when we examine how we are spiritually dressed today?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for clothing me in your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for reminding me daily to wear Him from my first waking moment. Help me, Holy Father, to begin each day fully clothed in Him, acting as He would. Teach me the true meaning of being irreversibly transformed, understanding that He isn’t a “uniform clothes” I remove at day’s end or hang up at work when I put on my worldly uniform. When I wear my professional shirt, let the world also see His presence in me. Holy, Holy, Holy are you, my God, who dresses me in grace, making me resemble your Son. Praise your name for the transformation that comes from wearing Jesus as my “uniform clothes”. Your arm is strong, delivering me from my old, sinful self that once wore only the “uniform clothes” of the world, now radiantly covered by Jesus. All glory to you, Holy Father, for dressing me for the day and preparing me to face the world in righteousness. The light of Christ shines from me, and I am yours.
“and he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” – Matthew 17:2 (ESV)
Rich Forbes
