The Encourager
“The Christian's Uniform”
The Christian’s Uniform
By Jeff Curtis
In Leviticus 8 as well as Exodus 28 and 39, provides us with a picture of the priests’ uniforms under the Mosaic covenant. The high priest’s clothing were beautiful, elaborate, and costly. The other priests also wore garments that distinguished them from the average Israelite.
Do these “uniforms” have a counterpart in this New Testament age? Christ, our High Priest, is clothed with glory and majesty, in “garments” far more beautiful than those worn by the Mosaic high priests. We are not privileged in this life to wear anything like the high priestly garments of the Old Testament era. However, since Christians are part of a “priesthood” (1Peter 2:5), should we wear clothing that distinguishes us from the other religions and the rest of the world?
Many people wear uniforms to identify them with the work they do. This is true for soldiers, policemen, fireman, and medical personnel. Certain organizations encourage a uniform be worn at their meetings. Some schools require students to wear a uniform. Some religions require certain kinds of dress. The Puritans and the Amish of the past and present are known for dressing differently than their neighbors.
Do the Scriptures require Christians to differentiate themselves from the rest of the population by a peculiar style of attire? The answer to that question is “No.” While the New Testament teaches Christians to dress modestly and not to place too much emphasis on the wearing of jewelry, it does not teach that Christians must all look alike or wear some special kind of uniform so they can be immediately recognized as Christ’s disciples.
However, the New Testament does say something about what Christians should “wear.” For instance, it tells us to “put on the full armor of God,” which involves “truth,” “righteousness,” “the gospel of peace,” “faith,” “salvation,” and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:10-17). It says that, since we have “put on the new self,” we should “put on” (as if putting on a coat)” compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” while demonstrating forbearance and forgiveness, showing love, experiencing peace, and expressing thankfulness (Colossians 3:12-15).
In a sense, the Christian has a uniform to wear. When he becomes a Christian by being baptized, he puts on Christ (Galatians 3:26-27). He must “wear” Christ by putting on His attributes (such as those just mentioned). Then people will know that he is truly Christ’s disciple.
Although the New Testament makes no provisions for special clothing for Christians in this life, we have been given the good news that those who remain faithful have a robe (Revelation 3:5) and a crown (2Timothy 4:7-8) waiting in another life. We will be privileged to share in some of our High Priest’s glory, for we will sit down with Jesus Christ in His throne (Revelation 3:21). What a glorious hope we have in heaven if we wear our “uniform” well on earth.
