This Is not another action figure or MCU (Marvel Comics Universe) character. It’s one of many nicknames given to me in my lifetime. This was one of the nicer ones! First, some background. As a child, Mom always clothed my brother and me in pants and shirts that went together. Most of you can say the same. My Dad added the men’s fashion guidelines as we got older. “Your tie should match your socks and your belt should match your shoes.” That was how we all did it “back in the day.” Yes, we wore a coat and tie every Sunday to church. In the ‘70’s, certainly by the ‘80’s, that unwritten dress code fell out of favor, especially in FL. I greatly admire and respect those who still believe in “Sunday-go-to-Meetin’’ clothes. I read an interesting article recently about dress codes (or not) on cruise ships. Some still hold to the “cordial command” to wear nice clothes to dinner; no T-shirts and flip-flops. Opinions and taste are all over the map (er, the seas!) on this topic. Most of us feel somewhat middle-of-the-road about it; somewhere between beach/island wear and fashion Nazi.

Here’s how “Monochrome Man” came to be. I was – and still am – one who likes to wear clothes that match. In my life as a pastor, you will often find me in a black clergy shirt,  black pants with a black belt, black shoes and socks. Call me crazy! During my internship year at seminary, I went to the church office one day wearing a grey clergy shirt and – you guessed it – matching grey slacks. The sexton greeted me that day with “Monochrome Man”! We had a good laugh over that. I am even pretty much color-coordinated when I go to the gym (which is still too infrequent).

The struggle for me in my sameness in attire is when that also translates into the way I live. I don’t want to be “monochrome” in my thinking or ministry. I want to think and act (even dress!) in vibrant colors.  Our lives in the Spirit were not intended to be “flat-line” or in a safe, comfortable box. Our Lord offers us unrestricted access to the blessings and possibilities for vibrant, colorful living. Live your life knowing that God’s unconditional love and grace will be yours, no matter what you wear. Because you are always clothed in Christ.

Pastor Art