You’ve probably heard the proverb with ancient origins that says, “clothes make the man.” It has been used by Shakespeare (“The apparel oft proclaims the man,” in Hamlet) as well as by Mark Twain, in a more humorous way. He said, “Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”

The point is that your apparel has an outsized impact on people’s impressions of you.

This can be solidified further by choosing outfits explicitly meant to declare who you are. Everyone knows where your loyalties lie when you don a Milwaukee Brewers jersey at a Cubs game. And someone sporting a rainbow cape at a pride parade is proclaiming their beliefs just like someone choosing a MAGA hat.

But some say the proverb is wrong. Judging someone by their clothes is lazy, and we should only go by their words and actions.

Aside from the blatant, purposefully provocative apparel examples above, I’d say they are right. It’s inside that counts. God agrees.

“Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” (Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭12,‬ ‭HCSB)

As followers of Jesus, we are chosen, made holy, and dearly loved. And because we are now on God’s team, we need to dress the part. Not on the outside with slogans or colors, but on the inside, with our character, our hopes, dreams, and desires. And ultimately with our words and actions. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. All these are what people should notice about people who claim to follow Jesus.

Can people tell which team you’re on?

Dear God, show me how to proclaim your love with my attitude and behavior toward others. Teach me how to be obvious about my allegiance to you with every word I say and everything I do. Thank you for your generous forgiveness and correction when I’m wearing the wrong hat, one of hate, apathy, selfishness, or pride.