Christian dandies

A dandy is a man who is overly concerned about his clothes and appearance. The origin is uncertain, but it's almost 250 years old, first coming into use around 1770. It's sort of an old-fashioned word, one we might expect to find in a play by Oscar Wilde. An up-to-date choice might be metrosexual. Regardless of which word we choose to express this idea, the point is the overconcern about externals.

Ephesians 6: 10-18 gives us a picture of a soldier ready to do battle:

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

(Click on the picture above to make it larger so you can read the description.)

In church on Sunday, we heard about this soldier. He knows how to use what he has. Both he and his armour are battle-ready and battle-tested. This is no Christian dandy soldier standing around looking sharp in his uniform. This is a man dressed to kill, so to speak. He's ready to do battle in the spiritual high places.

It's not enough to be dressed like soldiers--Christian dandies, just looking the part. We must battle-hardened. The only way to get that way is to fight like soldiers.

1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

For sure, our enemy is no "dandy lion"!