Exodus chapters 28-29
What are you wearing today?
Our clothing says certain things about us. The business man wears a power suit. The teacher wears something casual, conservative. The doctor wears a white lab coat. The construction worker wears boots and jeans. Some of us wear uniforms, clothing that is very specific and according to our employer's request. Some of us have to wear certain credentials like an ID card, a police badge, or some other visual representation of a specific, and professional right of passage.
In today's text, God directs the making of a special uniform for the priesthood. The text goes to great detail about it's beauty, design, and quality. This was to be crafted of the finest materials, woven by the best weaver, sewn by the best seamstress. Anything second-rate was unacceptable. Israel would consider it a blessing just to be permitted to wear it. This uniform would be an outward statement of the honor, glory, and praise of which only God was worthy.
Do we honor God today by what we wear?
Some of us might be picturing the teenager who shows up on Sunday morning with worn out jeans, a t-shirt and flip-flops. Or, the employee with all the tattoos who shows up at work all disheveled from the ride in on his Harley. Or, the woman at work who chooses to "go goth" by coloring her hair, nails and makeup all black. With those images in our mind, some of us at this moment can feel the righteous indignation stir within us. But, before we act on that visceral sensation, let's keep in mind that we wear more than just our clothing. We wear our attitudes as well.
Consider your attitude as if it is an accessory. A self-confident, joyful attitude can change the appearance of whatever we are wearing. A room full of gloomy, cranky, complaining people is still a very dark place no matter how well they're dressed. But, if your attitude is the one that's positive, you're going to light up the entire room. Even more, your attitude is going to be the thing that get's noticed more so than your clothing. With a positive, self-confident, joyful attitude you can get away with wearing just about what ever you want, and people will simply appreciate you for being you.
When we wear self-confidence, or joy, or any of these other positive attributes, we are also giving honor and praise to God. Just like the priestly uniform was designed to be a visible, outward sign of glory and honor to God, our attitude can be the same. God loves to see His children live and demonstrate their faith in Him by way of a cheerful, hopeful, positive attitude. So, what are you wearing today? Is your faith a positive accessory?
Lord God, you once desired that your priests be adorned with garments that gave honor and glory to you. regardless of my clothing or my style, may you be honored and glorified by my attitude, and may I be a positive light for people in darkness. In Jesus' name. Amen
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