Team Uniforms

 

You were taught, with regard to your
former way of life, to put off your old self… and
to put on the new self, created to be like God.
                                                                            —from Ephesians 4:22-24

When you think about being a Christian, have you ever considered yourself as part of a team? In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul writes about unity in the body of Christ. He instructs us that Christians should resemble their Lord and each other in certain ways.

Oh, yes, we are individuals, and the beauty of the Body of Christ comes from the myriad of differences we all bring to the family. However, Paul also points out that what characterizes us should be those habits and qualities of life that distinguish us from both our old ways and the ways of the world around us.

In order to be clear, Paul actually names some traits of the old wardrobe: darkness, spiritual ignorance, insensitivity, sensuality, impurity, greed and falsehood—to name a few. He goes on to describe the new clothes that Christians should wear: true righteousness, holiness, truthfulness, kindness, compassion and forgiveness—again, to name a few.

If strangers were to follow us around, or see us together on Sunday mornings, would they agree that we share many of the same characteristics they recognize from reading about Jesus? Have we “put off” our old rags and “put on” the uniform of godly traits that reveals to whose team we belong?

In thinking about team sports and the practice of wearing uniforms, I came across an article by Melville D. Jackson about the need to consider the importance of such attire. He says:

“The uniform is a unifying component in a team. The feeling of togetherness that a uniform fosters is also motivating to the team members. It is also important for creating a lasting first impression…

“The right color scheme helps to make team uniforms more prominent and attractive. This is probably one of the most important considerations when designing the clothing. The color scheme can make or mar a sportsman's pride. But, it is to be kept in mind that the colors should not distract from the game or the player. The color scheme should also be motivating to the players and be pleasing to the eye.” ¹

One reason we wear the uniform of the team “Christian” is for the purpose of attracting others to Christ. We also need to feel the unity of the Body of Christ around us when we get together. In our struggles and in order to encourage us in our faith and godly living, we need the team.

Consider how Christ wants us, as His team players, to look. Take time to read Ephesians 4. Think of this chapter as a training manual about the behavioral clothes we wear. And then, proudly put on and display the uniform of godly traits that identifies you with the winning team

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¹ from an on-line article: Tips for Selecting Appropriate Team Uniforms.