Pastor Jim Jackson
Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church
Most Saturdays find me working in the yard. One Saturday, I had to make a trip to a local hardware store, where I happened to meet a friend who remarked to me: “That’s some preaching outfit.” My friend’s reference was to what I call my Saturday uniform.
It’s nothing like what I wear on Sundays and that’s what I like about it. Wearing dress clothes everyday and a suit some days, I find my Saturday uniform welcoming.
What is my Saturday uniform? It consists of a blue cap with a yellow biddy on the front, given to me by a cousin whose business is chickens.
The blue denim shirt is almost white from several years of Saturday service and many washings. My wife threw it away once, but I recovered it.
The pants are Levis and have only two holes in them; and, of course, none on the seat.
My shoes were a bargain for only five dollars about four years ago. My plan is to dress them up soon, for my laces have become tired. Probably cost as much as the shoes did. The last item is a large leather belt with a brass buckle that has my name, “Jim.” That serves to remind me of who I am, just in case I get lost in the hardware store.
Now as I have reflected upon my friend’s calling those Saturday duds a Saturday outfit doesn’t bother me at all—no insult taken. Sure, he was just kidding the preacher. Who doesn’t enjoy poking fun at a preacher? Truth is that not just preachers are preaching everyday, clerics and lay people alike. People are listening to what we communicate every day, words and attitudes we share. What we say on Monday through Saturday doesn’t matter much if it isn’t in sic with what we say on Sunday.
In Romans 13:14 Paul wrote “clothe yourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Then in Colossians 3:12 he urged those believers with these words: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
One of today’s fashions is blue jeans with many holes, you might call them “holey.”
That’s fine for some folk, but we followers of Jesus should make sure we are outfitted in those clothes of which Paul wrote, “Holy” ones.
One of today’s fashions is blue jeans with many holes, you might call them “holey.”
That’s fine for some folk, but we followers of Jesus should make sure we are outfitted in those clothes of which Paul wrote, “Holy” ones.