Dress Code

The Sublette County Sheriff's Department in western Wyoming made the news this past week but it had nothing to do with crime.  The newly elected sheriff, Stephen Haskill, has implemented a new dress code for his department. Haskell is requiring deputies to wear black trousers, a tan shirt, black boots and a black ball cap.  He cites the need for safety and uniformity as his rationale for the changes.  The decision has raised a bit of a ruckus in the sparsely populated, rural county.  It seems that cowboy attire, including hats and boots, have long been the dress code of choice and the change has some riled up.  In fact, a 28 year veteran with the department, Deputy Gene Bryson, has opted to retire rather than change uniforms.  He was quoted in one report as saying, “"And I've had a cowboy hat on since 19 -- I don't know.  That's what looks good to me in the sheriff's department. It's Western. It's Wyoming."  Further dialogue, though, did reveal that Bryson, 70, was planning to retire later this year anyway.

Fashion statements aside, it remains the prerogative of the sheriff in Sublette County to determine the dress code for those under his authority.  In a similar way, God determines the way those under his authority dress themselves.  And while he does have an interest in how we dress externally, he seems to be more concerned with how we dress inwardly. Hear the word of God: “...put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts” (Romans 13:14).  “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11).  “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience…” (Colossians 3:12).  “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity” (Colossians 3:14).

God has a dress code.  What are you putting on?

God loves you!

Mike