In three days I’ll have the honor of helping a couple recite their vows to one another at an elegant outdoor wedding. Amanda and Jadon love one another and are so excited to finally reach this long awaited day. I’ve not told anyone, but I’m going to look a little different at this wedding. Though it is indeed a dress-up affair with tuxedos and fancy dresses, I’ve decided to just wear casual clothes. You see, what really counts is what’s in the heart. In my later years I’ve realized this more and more. Besides, I’ve worn so many ties in my lifetime that, to tell you the truth, I am sick of them. So I’m going to be foot-loose and fancy-free at this wedding and feel totally comfortable as I carry out my duties.
The father of the bride is a good friend of mine. If I show up Sunday evening wearing tennis shoes, shorts, and a t-shirt, I know exactly what he’ll say: “Dana, what’s the deal? You’re not participating in this wedding looking like that. Give me your notes, I’ll get someone else to take your spot. I’m sorry, but you need to leave.”
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. ‘Friend,’ he asked, ‘how did you get in here without wedding clothes?’ The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” Matthew 22:11-13
Don’t be shocked at this passage. There is a definite dress code at the great wedding feast. It is an incredible outfit we’ve been given, but we’ve got to wear it. In fact, these clothes, though perhaps not well recognized on earth, are to be our every day attire. Read the Scriptures below and remember why we are so beautiful in the eyes of our Father.
“You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” Galatians 3:27
“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Romans 13:14
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14