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A couple years ago my husband and I visited a local church one Sunday morning. We dressed in our usual way, dressy casual, but were surprised when we walked in and the majority of the people were wearing shorts and Hawaiian floral shirts. Now, I don’t live in Hawaii or any other tropical region and it was Sunday morning – at church – so I was confused.

My husband and I both were raised to dress nice when we went to church. It wasn’t about impressing, but about respecting – giving God our best and respecting His house. This old-school tradition is getting lost in many churches these days and I suppose that is okay. But my husband often jokes that he would rather wear nothing than wear jeans to church (he is a bit more old-school than I am).

Reading through Leviticus, I have come to Leviticus 8 and immediately as God commands Moses on what Aaron should wear I think of two things . . .

1. The Garments of the High Priest in the Old Testament vs.
2. The Garments of the High Priest in the New Testament

Notice that in the Old Testament the High Priest is the only one who wore all of these things. Whereas in the New Testament, since Christ is the High Priest, all those who believe in him are to wear these garments. Also there is no mention of shoes in the Old Testament because the High Priest wasn’t meant to leave the temple. Christians, on the other hand, are called to go out into all nations proclaiming the Gospel. Aaron’s garments were for wearing in the temple and our armor is for wearing every day.

And I think of the shorts and Hawaiian shirt wearing congregation. Sure none of them were wearing robes and tunics, but neither was I. Yet, I didn’t stick around long enough to find out if any of them were wearing the Armor of God.

When I get up in the morning do I put on the armor of God?

Do I wear truth, righteousness, faith, peace, and salvation as I walk through life – as I mother – as I wife – as I do whatever it is I need to do that day?

Not always.

There are days when my faith falters a bit and I worry or peace gets left at home as I get frustrated with slow drivers. There are other days when righteousness gets hung in the hall closet for a bit so I can watch a stupid comedy with questionable content.

God doesn’t tell us specifically what not to wear, but He does tell us what to wear.

So . . . Does it matter what I wear to church?

Whether I am wearing jeans, shorts or a skirt that isn’t the question, the right question is, “Did I put on my armor today?”

Have you?