Is your Outfit Appropriate for a Dress Code which Requires Full Armor?

Have you attended an event, or been associated with an institution where a dress code was required? If so, you’re aware that the one who enforces the mandate is the only one whose interpretation really matters. The terms “Black Tie”, “Semi-Formal” or “Business Casual” can leave some room for imagination, but when the specifics are well defined, you’d better be dressed accordingly.

Is your Outfit Appropriate for a Dress Code which requires Full Armor?

I remember being in school and having a code of conduct which stated that our skirts were to be no more than 2 inches above our knees. The handbook was clear that we were to measure, floor to hem, from a kneeling position. Sometimes girls would take the number from the top of their knee, in a standing position, then feign indignance when the principal told them their skirts were too short. They were trying to pass with a false measurement.

^{Photo by pina messina on Unsplash}

Another relevant memory comes to mind. I was involved in a wedding where the bridesmaid’s dresses were ordered from an on-line tailor. The young ladies were asked to send their measurements, but several did not take it seriously and sent rough estimates and guesses. When the dresses arrived, those who had followed instructions had beautifully fitting gowns, and the others, who had taken shortcuts, were left scrambling for alterations.

God cares about our spiritual outfits. He knows what we battle and has given us an appropriate dress code. He requires that we put it on. It isn’t a helpful suggestion, or a good idea. He commanded it, not once, but twice in this passage:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Ephesians 6:11-13 (emphasis mine)

^{Photo by Maria Pop on Pexels.com}

The verses after these, specify exactly what pieces of armor we are to include. Sometimes, if I’m being honest, I may use my own measurement and think I am within dress code. Other times, I take the lazy way out and fail to follow God’s explicit instructions. The battlefield is not a good place to have a wardrobe malfunction! (Is any place?)

I want to invite you along, over the next several Mondays, as I look at God’s definition of “full armor”. He is the one who enforces this dress code, so I want to be sure I share His interpretation. I will ask myself, and you if you’ll join me, “Is your outfit appropriate for a dress code which requires full armor?”

In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord

The Battle Belongs to the Lord ~ Song by Petra