Being ready

Last weekend we were invited to our neighbour's 40th birthday party. Having moved in barely over a year ago, we hardly know her, so it was very sweet of her to ask us. We accepted, looking forward to meeting new people and getting to know our neighbour's family a little better. The small boys often visit our garden to collect the football they have inadvertently kicked over the hedge, but we only rarely see their parents. We really don't know them particularly well at all.

So it was with a little trepidation that we prepared to get ready. We suspected that there might be high-flying business colleagues there, or some very yummy mummies, so took greater pains than usual to get ready. Dress code? No idea. Smart casual perhaps, whatever that means.

We are sociable, often inviting friends round, but tend to dress very casually ourselves. 'Smart dos' which involve cocktail dresses or black ties are not our thing: indeed, you could say are to be avoided with plague-like responses. So my husband had to hunt through his wardrobe for smarter shoes - deck shoes being the best he could come up with, in contrast to the trainers he usually lives in. Then there was the problem of a smart shirt whose collar was not in the slightest bit frayed or worn: we eventually found one and quickly got out the ironing board. Then, the trousers. The bottom half of a suit? Or perhaps a clean pair of jeans, if such a thing existed? There was indeed a pair at the back of the wardrobe which had somehow survived gardening, woodwork, car repairs and loft insulation. Finally, what to wear on top? The most respectable sweater seemed careworn, to say the least, but there was nothing else better, so I dusted off bits of fluff, a wealth of dog hair and the odd strand from one of the two humans who live in our house.

As for me, I pulled on a stretchy, lacy black dress which seems to fit the bill for almost every occasion. It's taken a while to settle on a 'go to' outfit, but this dress seems to work for me without too much trouble. I was ready, at least.

But this got me thinking. How am I spiritually dressed, ready to engage with an unfamiliar culture? Are my feet "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."? Do I need to clean my shoes, brushing off strife and unforgiveness, polishing them so that they reflect a patina of peace, friendliness and calm?

Do I need to ensure that "the belt of truth  (is) buckled around (my) waist"? The truth that, regardless of what I look like, whether my clothes are expensive or off the cheapest rack in town, or are old and in need of refurbishment, I am a precious and loved daughter of The King? Do I know that it really doesn't matter how good (or not) my make up is, I am adored and beautiful in God's sight? Do I know that I do not need man's (or woman's) approval or favour, because the GOD of ANGEL-ARMIES has sacrificed the world for me? 

Ephesians 6:10 - 17 says:"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,   In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."

The Message says:
 "God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You’re up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it’s all over but the shouting you’ll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You’ll need them throughout your life. God’s Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other’s spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."

So we were, indeed, prepared. We giggled over our scruffiness and inept attempts at 'being smart', but went next door confident that we were taking Jesus with us. And it was a very enjoyable evening. Drinks and nibbles, lots of noise, but a warm welcome to a crowd of lovely, ordinary people, friends and family gathered to celebrate a birthday. And we got to know these rather reserved, shy neighbours just a little better.

Grateful for the opportunity, grateful to be serving a Commander far more powerful than anything the world can throw at us. Even in the face of the possibility of smart, suave, super-chic and 'high-powered' people.