Tie Keeper

I have commented that I pause to ponder about what I am wearing on any given Sunday as to “coordinating” with the message or the marker of that Sunday (a holiday, church event or…).  I consider the color of suit, the color of tie and shirt and even the shoes I wear.

I have stated that I generally wear a black suit on Communion Sundays.  A couple of months ago I wore a dark brown suit on a Communion Sunday and a couple of people took note and commented.  I told them that I wore the brown because I was not up front for any of the Communion portion of the service.  I’m not bound by “coordination” thinking!

So, why black on Communion Sundays?  Black because salvation is a black and white issue – either one is saved or they are not.  Communion is for those who have agreed with God about their sin problem and willed God to forgive them and take rule of their life, which is possible because Jesus took the wrath due them from God for their sins.  One is either saved per those points or they are not saved – black and white before God.

Therefore, I generally wear a black suit with a white shirt and often with a red or wine-colored tie for the blood.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, I wore a brown suit thinking of the colors of the Pilgrims.

Almost every Sunday I wear a “tie keeper” – a gold chain around my tie.  I don’t wear it as I am all about bling (I don’t even wear a watch) but I do wear it for reasons.

It belonged to Floyd Hintz who died January 28, 2014, and was given to me after he died.  I wear it remembering him but also to be reminded of those who were of us and have passed from this life (Greta Siert a year ago Saturday).  The “keeper” serves to keep those dear people in my thinking as they enriched me and I miss them.

The “keeper” also reminds me of Floyd’s favorite song, “Victory in Jesus.”  He loved that song in part because it is bouncy, bright and clappy.  That song has long been a favorite of mine!  The “keeper” reminds me of the joy of my salvation, of the joy found in my God, and of what lies ahead for those who are His – JOY!

Thirdly, the “keeper” reminds me of sadness, pain and loss.  Floyd and Leona had a son, Robert, who on January 29, 1973 committed suicide with no forewarning and no note left behind.  It was a darkness that haunted Floyd and Leona the rest of their lives.  The “keeper” reminds me that there are those among us who carry deep pain.  Their loss and pain I need to be aware of as I preach and interact with all on any given Sunday.

Occasionally I don’t have the “keeper” in its normal place, which is attached to a button and around my tie.  That was the case December 18 – the cantata Sunday.  However, I had it in my pocket, and for reasons!

The “keeper” is an important piece of my Sunday garb.  My clothing on Sunday is important to me, somewhat important for you but mostly as I want that even the “small” things in my life to honor God.  Whatever I do in the body I need to do for the glory of God, I Cor. 6:20.