Alva Review-Courier -

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:14 NIV)

I have had one statement said to me multiple times over the years regarding my appearance. “You don’t look like a pastor,” has been said to me right from the beginning of my time as a pastor. It doesn’t bother me whatsoever because I don’t really even know what I’m supposed to look like. I know of a pastor who was ripped apart by his Elders because he was seen outside of his house in a white T-shirt and dress pants. They were furious that he was not wearing a dress shirt and a tie. He happened to be mowing his lawn.

Every time I hear people make that statement about not looking like a pastor, I always begin to wonder why they think that way and if there is a description in the Bible about what we should look like. Obviously, we can look to the Old Testament for a clear understanding of what the Jewish Priest would wear, but as a Christian, I don’t fall into that category. So let’s look at a few verses from the New Testament as to what a Christian should wear.

Probably the first thing to come to mind is the armor of God. Ephesians 6:11-18 describes the armor of God: belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, carry the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and finally one that most people don’t include, but is vital: knee pads because of all the praying we should be doing. But these things aren’t the only things that scripture tells us to wear.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV tells about some more clothing items that are vital to have as part of our wardrobe: “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.”

It doesn’t matter if you wear a suit or shorts or even a Hawaiian shirt. God is looking to see if His life is rubbing off on you and you are living out a life that has His character all over it. When Samuel was looking for the next king for Israel, God told him to go to the house of Jessie. He immediately saw Eliab, tall and strong, but the Lord said, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

What does the Lord see when He looks at you?