What sort of an Army? (9)

… an Army that is unafraid to be seen in it’s uniform.


I recently ordered a new logo jacket. It was not for me it was for my wife however seconds after placing the order I realised that I had ordered a mans jacket for someone who is definitely not. The style and cut would be all wrong; the size would be way too big. In short it would be an ugly representation.

It reminded me that a short time ago someone defended their not wearing a uniform because ‘it’s ugly’. Yes, from a design perspective it may be considered not fashionable, it may not have a flattering cut or be cut from a cloth that we would choose but it singles us out as individuals with a purpose and a point to our living.

Because the cross has been sanitised by it’s adoption into jewellery culture, what is one of the most ugly forms of torture and death is now seen as fashionable and acceptable – in fact, probably for the majority of people who wear a cross it means, nothing other than as a fashion accessory. It is an ugly thing that has been made acceptable.

Therefore we need to review why we are wearing our uniform – and what guise that uniform takes. With the extensive provision of red shield garments, with the diverse programmes we are now engaged in there is no reason not to wear some form of appropriate uniform, regardless of what ministry we may be engaged in.

In so many parts of the world where others fear to tread the wearing of the Salvation Army uniform still gives confidence of safe passage and ministry provided, in times past when people were martyred for the wearing of their uniform, for a community that is struggling to deal with it’s own identity are we prepared to be anonymous in declaring that we are saved to save and to serve?

Be unafraid – be uniformed.