(November 21, 2023) Mama Lava has some appropriate questions…

If so, you’re aware that the one who enforces the mandate is the only one whose interpretation really matters. The terms ‘Black Tie’, ‘Semi-Formal’ or ‘Business Casual’ can leave some room for imagination… but when the specifics are well defined, you’d better be dressed accordingly.

Have you attended an event, or been associated with an institution where a dress code was required?

False measurements …
I remember being in school and having a code of conduct which stated that our skirts were to be no more than two inches (5.08cm) above our knees. The handbook was clear that we were to measure, floor to hem, from a kneeling position.

Sometimes girls would take the number from the top of their knee, in a standing position, then feign indignance when the principal told them their skirts were too short.

• They were trying to pass with a false measurement!

Another relevant memory comes to mind. I was involved in a wedding where the bridesmaid’s dresses were ordered from an on-line tailor. The young ladies were asked to send their measurements, but several did not take it seriously and sent rough estimates and guesses.

When the dresses arrived, those who had followed instructions had beautifully fitting gowns, and the others, who had taken shortcuts, were left scrambling for alterations.

God cares about our spiritual dress code
He knows what we battle and has given us an appropriate dress code. He requires that we put it on. And it isn’t a helpful suggestion, or a good idea.

He commanded it, not once, but twice in this passage by Paul: ‘Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand’ (Ephesians 6:11-13).

The verses after these, specify exactly the six pieces of armour we are to include – ‘Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ 

Avoid wardrobe malfunction!
The Petra song The Battle Belongs to the Lord reminds us that…
‘In heavenly armour we’ll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that’s fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord.’

Sometimes, if I’m being honest, I may use my own measurement and think I am within His dress code. Other times, I take the lazy way out and fail to follow God’s explicit instructions.

• But the battlefield is not a good place to have a wardrobe malfunction! (Is any place?)
• God is the one who enforces this dress code, so I want to be sure I share His interpretation.

I’m checking my own dress code here… and I also enquire about yours – is your outfit appropriate for God’s spiritual  dress code which requires His full armour?

Or, reading the above, are you scrambling for alterations?
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Mama Lava delights to share openly and honestly from her heart, She sincerely believes in making the big world a bit smaller through caringly connecting, that Jesus wants to remove our anxiety and give us His joy. In her encouragements, she regularly tells of life experiences from an unapologetically Christian viewpoint. Link: Mama Lava’s Back Porch (Doses of Maternal Love).
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