What We Wear

DAILY READING

Ephesians 6:11, 14-17: Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. . . . Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. ¹⁵As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. ¹⁶With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

FIELD NOTES

On Halloween, children will dress up in make-believe and, perhaps, scary costumes. 

While this can be innocent fun, experts tell us that, in regular life, how people dress affect their personality that day. When people dress up for work, they are more productive than when they wear casual clothes. When children wear the jersey of their favorite athlete, they practice harder and play better. When actors put on their costumes and makeup, they act the role better than when they practice without a costume.

We all know how we dress also affects how people view us, and so we spend time in front of the mirror making sure we look right.

The root meaning of baptism is “dying and rising.” We die to a life without Christ and rise to a life with Christ. At our baptism, the church says, “You have put on Christ, in Christ you have been baptized. Alleluia!” (Book of Hymns, #609). 

As we prepare for Halloween, work, the day off, and other occasions may we dress appropriately, but always, may we put on Christ, no matter what we wear.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• As a child, what costumes did you like to wear, and how did you feel wearing them?
• Today, how do you dress for various occasions—worship, work, ball games, shopping, relaxing around the house? How does it feel to be inappropriately dressed?
• How about trying to “put on Christ” today? That is, imagine that Christ is not only present but also flowing in and through you as you interact with others. 

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Discuss what it’s like to play dress-up as little children. What were your favorite costumes?
• Discuss what is and is not appropriate dress for specific occasions.
• Discuss what it means to mentally and emotionally put on Christ.

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear most loving, gracious Lord, we praise and thank you for our lives. Thank you for the clothes we wear and for the costumes people wear at Halloween. As you help us dress appropriately for each occasion, Lord, help us “put on Christ.” Help us love them as you love us. In your gracious name, I ask.  Amen.