Dressing for the Work God Gives

By Dean Collins

Almost daily we hear of how technology has changed our lives. Many of us can remember computers, then laptops, then beepers, and cell phones, and on and on. Each brought a change in how we work and where we work. And when Covid hit and meetings shifted to Zoom meetings, the speed of change seemed to enter a time warp.

I was thinking about all of this as I read the first chapter of Jeremiah this morning. As God called the young prophet to his assignment, we read these words in verse 17: “…dress yourself for work.” If you got a text from your boss tonight that said, “Dress yourself for work,” would you have any idea what that meant? The work wardrobe of nearly every occupation has changed significantly in recent years.

Those who work in warehouses and manufacturing used to dress in heavy materials to help protect themselves from injury. Now we have lots of new technology in work and athletic uniforms that increase flexibility, breathability, and help with sun exposure. And of course, the advancement in our shoes has dramatically impacted both comfort and safety.

The fashion for men and women in office jobs has also had an increased focus on comfort and informality. Dressing formally seems to rarely be necessary. I suspect that God’s word to Jeremiah had little to do with what color tunic to wear in his assignment as a prophet. God’s call to Jeremiah had everything to do with preparation both mentally and spiritually for the tough job that this young prophet was given. 

Just a few verses before God told Jeremiah to dress for work, he told him, “See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” What an assignment! Jeremiah had a hard message to deliver to Judah about both the coming destruction of Jerusalem and that a day was coming where there would be exile then building and planting. I imagine Jeremiah’s head was spinning when he tried to contemplate all that God was telling him to do.

While God seldom gives us all the details when he calls us, like Jeremiah, we are told that there will be opposition when we are involved in the work of the Lord. Jeremiah was warned that God was making him to be a fortified city and an iron wall because “they will fight against you.” 

Jeremiah would learn that as he dressed himself spiritually for his work, that God would provide strength and ultimately deliverance, not just for him but for all of his beloved in due time. 

The apostle Paul reminds believers that we too are to “be watchful and stand firm,” and that even as we may face challenges, we are to do all that we do with the love of Christ.

I don’t know that any of you will get a text about what to wear to work tomorrow. But if you seek to follow Jesus in all that you do at work and in life, then preparing yourself spiritually may be the best way to dress for success. God will be with you every step of the way as you diligently seek his presence and his wisdom.

Father, we begin today by placing our lives in your hands. May the word of Christ and the love of Christ dwell in us today and deepen our awareness of the needs of those around us. Direct our paths to do your perfect will today. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Your Time with God’s Word
Jeremiah 1:10, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV

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