SA Uniform
I had the occasion the other day to go shopping with a cadet for ear muffs appropriate to be worn with uniform. How delighted I am that the SFOT is serious about requiring appropriate uniform wear. I’ve always believed this to be so, but am encouraged by this recent reminder.
Do you wear a uniform? I am quite comfortable in mine and am convinced that I need to wear it more often than not. If I were a soldier and not an officer, I would wear it on Sunday at the corps and on other engagements and ministry where others would potentially benefit from speaking to a Salvationist. As an officer, the requirements are reasonably more frequent.
Fortunately, the uniform generates a positive response by most people. For those that don’t recognize it, I note that they generally will give respect anyway. May I suggest today that if you have one, make sure it fits and looks good. Then wear it to witness to the saving grace of God in your life and for others.
2 Corinthians 4:6 (AMP)
“For God Who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts so as [to beam forth] the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the majesty and glory of God [as it is manifest in the Person and is revealed] in the face of Jesus Christ (the Messiah).”
I must admit, I never wanted to put on the “funky blue” uniform. It was God’s idea for which I am really grateful. My calling to the Army as an officer has allowed my opportunities I never could have achieved on my own(My first calling is to God.) The uniform has opened doors to ministry and service. The uniform has allowed my to approach people to share the gospel, as well as encouraging others to approach me for so many different reasons. I’ve walked through downtowns, malls, and so many places with my uniform and the yell comes forth, “Hey Captain”, “Hey Major”, otherwise, I would have never been noticed.
I am somebody because of God’s love and I am seen as being His representative because of the uniform.
I thank God for the priviledge & opportunity to serve Him and wear my SA uniform.
Besided the tips are good at the airport, “Hey, Sky Cap!.”
Thank you, Colonel. I was beginning to think I was alone in feeling that way. I was brought up to believe that while it is completely fine that we all have different abilities and these gifts are given at different skill levels, anything we do for the Lord should require us to put forth our best effort.
Many times I have been criticized for sharing my beliefs that we should look immaculate in our uniforms – they should be clean, shirts tucked in, buttoned up, ties tied, shoes shined, hair neatly up – but I feel that we are representing the Lord and that anything less is unacceptable. We all have our days when our frustrations with TSA leave us feeling we don’t care about how we represent it, but I was brought up to believe that when I put on my uniform, I am representing Him, and not any organization.
On another topic, I feel that way about musical ‘performances’ as well. I grew up in a very contemporary division and am comfortable with all types of worship, but no matter what style is chosen, I believe that only the best will do. This can be confused with only the best skill levels will do, but that’s not what I mean. If a professional musician plays for the army, his offering will definately sound more pleasing than mine, and hopefully my offering sounds more pleasing than that of a beginner. However, God doesn’t hear it that way. He hears what is in our hearts and if I don’t give it my best, He hears only a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal although others may hear notes that sound nicer than the beginner’s. It is definately my belief that only OUR best will do, no matter how good that ‘best’ may be.
I love You, Lord,
And I lift my voice
To worship You,
Oh my soul, rejoice.
Take joy my King,
In what You hear;
May it be a sweet, sweet sound
In Your ear.
I agree, the uniform is a great thing, but sometimes I think we need to remind ourselves what it means to be a soldier and wear a uniform, are we wearing the uniform, but not living our lives the right way, living it for God. It’s so easy to get up on a Sunday morning put on the uniform, go home watch some football, then during the week become a totally different person, and not live that week for God. We need to live for Him seven days a week, 365 days a year, not just the one day we put on that uniform. As a bandsman, I know in my younger days I wish someone had took the time with me to keep me accountable to that promise.
I’ll give the illustration of a wine sac. We use to store wine in a leather poach, a sac. The bad thing about this is the wine doesn’t mature well in a leather sac and often goes bad. We moved on to bottles. Bottles allow the wine to mature into a great wine over a longer period of time. The point is the container may have changed but it’s purpose is the same. The good stuff is still intacted.
It doesn’t matter what your outward appearance may be. It will and should change with the time. What matters is your heart.
I agree with James..personally I have seen people who wear their uniform on a Sunday and act all perfect and right with God and then as soon as church is over they go back to their double life! We talked allot about it this summer..I (even though i’m really young) have had many expieriences in the public with my uniform..I have been asked if I was a flight attendant, in the Army, navy, people from school have seen me in it..and I used to be soo bothered about it, but now, I don’t mind because I know who and what I am representing.
T/T: I know you to be a good uniform wearer. You’re one of those that make me proud to put mine on.
fiona: Thank you for taking the time to express your opinion. Your value of uniform wearing and musicianship are supported by your own “very best” witness. Beautiful song…
J/A: You get it and do it…a great combination.
D/A: The heart is the dwelling place of God.
A: Yes you do!
Fiona,
Your comments on worship speak directly to the uniform discussion.
You said, “He hears what is in our hearts”.
He sees what’s in our hearts as well, not what we’re wearing.
I LOVE my uniform and I always have! I became a Salvationist at about age 22 and am now 29 – I’ve worn my uniform almost every Sunday since the day I was enrolled.
Too many corps officers go even so far as to discourage uniform wear, believing that the younger generations don’t want them, and hoping to show that they can identify with this attitude. I think that’s foolish.
All interesting comments. Josh, I think you generalize in your comments about corps officers and their wanting to identify with younger generations as their motivation for this. Maybe they have thought this out and happen to disagree with your position. I think your generalization sells many good people short.
As for me…I have worn my uniform most of my life….I have gone back and forth in my thoughts on the when and why of the uniform in the 21st century.
I have had many people who came into my corps (a very uniformed corps) indicate how intimidated they were by the uniform when they first walked in on a Sunday. I don’t think their intimidation was from their own insecurity. These were educated, socially and spiritually mature people.
On the other hand…the uniform has opened doors for me for witness and ministry in public forums.
I have also wondered why we wear uniforms in the “just us gatherings.”
My thoughts…the uniform as a “brand” works. I also think it needs to be more affordable. One more thought..There ought to be different uniforms (not just variations on one theme) for different occassions.
As Dave has said…maybe the container can be changed a bit. I think the most important thing is being Salvationists in our attitudes, which is being a people of sacrifice, salvation and social justice! Many of the best Salvationists I know don’t wear a uniform, for various reasons, but as Paul would say they “put on Christ” everyday!
I agree with Major Ashcraft, at events were it is only Salvationists and the crowd is just a sea of blue…why do we wear our uniforms?
Ouch – I am pretty well embarrassed about my earlier comment.
While I do hold that it is foolish to disparage the uniform for the sake of being liked, I also admit that I made a generalization, which (being a generalization) sells a great many good people short.
Sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings.
I’ve come to think of my uniform as part of offering my best to God. How quickly we say “God doesn’t care what we look like,” and that may be true to a point. Our Abba (Daddy) loves us in whatever shape we are in.
Too often, though, I think we lose sight of “Yahweh,” whose name wasn’t even pronounced out of respect for His holiness. I don’t offer God my best (neat uniform, best of my musicianship, sermon preparation, etc.) simply because my denomination asks for it. I offer it as a sacrifice to the Almighty God who alone is worthy of it.
Thanks for the comment, BDM. Your witness is as strong as your remarks.
I was thinking of leaving this posting alone, since I attempt not to be judgemental about any comment. This last note encourages me to affirm the original posting…I want the world to know where I stand, whose team I am on, and that I mean to fight for God. When on the street there is a medical emergency, I take comfort in seeing the identifiable EMT worker on the job. In my uniform, I can be so identified and available. Uniform wearing is a privilege of a few people known as Salvationists… and they don’t have to wear them. As an officer, I try to follow the directives of my leaders in the matter of uniform wear and have no problem doing so…in The Salvation Army.
I think I feel better.
The comments re a certain cadet (I think I know just who would have gone shopping with you for earmuffs) take me back to what I wore in Training with my uniform on kettles– and what I will be wearing when I go on kettles for the Suffern Hispanic Ministry this week! During my first year of training, my mother bought a knitted head band that fit over my ears to keep them warm under my bonnet. Believe it or not, I still have that same dark navy blue headband and I will be wearing it with a hat this time (my bonnet was ruined in a flood in South America, so I don’t have it in wearable condition these days) and thank the Lord for the uniform slacks we can wear these days! I will be playing the same trumpet, too. Come over and play a duet with me– I have no idea which kettle they’ll put me on!
Your sessionmate,
Betty Jean