Kingdom Dress Code

If you've been following the news, you’re probably aware that we will have a Royal invasion on Dec. 7 and 8. Prince William and Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, are scheduled to visit New York City to attend fundraising events for several charities they promote worldwide.

Because we speak the same language and our histories are closely linked, we frequently assume that British culture is highly similar to ours. But Britain is actually a constitutional monarchy and has a unique culture built around a mentality of kingdom and royalty that goes back more than 1,000 years. In contrast to our highly individualistic, “anything goes” culture and lifestyle, the British tend to foster a more tradition-bound, formal and monarchy-minded culture.

A reminder of this difference surfaced a couple of weeks ago when Buckingham Palace issued guidelines for the Press Dress Code. The statement read, “Journalists wishing to cover Royal engagements, whether in the United Kingdom or abroad, should comply with the dress code on formal occasions out of respect for the guests of the Queen, or any other member of the Royal Family. Smart attire for men includes the wearing of a jacket and tie, and for women a trouser or skirt suit. Those wearing jeans or trainers [sneakers] will not be admitted and casually dressed members of the media will be turned away. This also applies to technicians [camera personnel].”

The statement gave a not too subtle reminder to the American press that for the British their Royalty are not ordinary celebrities and must be treated with deference and respect at all times. Some American journalists have been offended and made caustic comments about the dress code. Coming from the culture of a democracy, it can be difficult for us to understand monarchy and a kingdom mentality.

But for those of us who are Christians, we need to remember that we are also members of a kingdom—the Kingdom of God. We are members of our Abba God's royal family, and we have a “divine dress code” that represents the culture of our Father's Kingdom. We are told in Ephesians 5:1-2a, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ.”

Our lifestyle should stand in contrast to the culture of the world around us and give evidence that we are from another kingdom. In Colossians 3:12-15, the apostle Paul describes how we are to clothe ourselves as God's royal children: “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”

When other people spend time with you, do they see the “divine dress code” of Abba God's Kingdom? Are they aware that you represent a different culture? When you see your reflection today, remind yourself that you are royalty. The Holy Spirit dwells within you, so conduct yourselves as children of the Most High!

Come and be a part of our services this Sunday at 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. I will be starting our “Christmas and the Kingdom of God” Series with a message on “Christmas and His Kingdom.”