Reasons behind the collar? I know many of you have ask the question what is up with the new look. What is the collar all about? I hope things brings some light to it. I am not by any means saying that the collar is for everybody, this is just my own convictions. God Bless. 1. The clerical collar is a sign of priestly consecration to the Lord. Just like a wedding ring distinguishes husband and wife and symbolizes the union they enjoy, so the clerical collar identifies ministers with their union to Christ. 2. The clerical collar prevents “mixed messages”; other people will recognize the minister’s intentions if he found himself in what might appear to be compromising circumstances. For example, if a minister is required to make pastoral visits to different apartment houses in an area where drug dealing or prostitution is prevalent. In such circumstances the collar sends a clear message to everyone that the minister has come to minister to the sick and needy in Jesus’ name. This prevents the possibility of idle speculation. 3. The clerical collar serves as a necessary challenge to an age drowning in impurity, exhibited by suggestive dress, blasphemous speech and scandalous actions. With so much sin in the world today it makes a statement for Christ. 4. The clerical collar offers a kind of “safeguard” for oneself, it provides a reminder to the minister himself of his mission and identity: to witness for Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest. 5. A minister dressed as the Church has historically desired is a reminder of God and of the sacred. When one wears a clerical collar, the hearts and minds of others are refreshingly raised to the “Higher Being” as not to focus on the minister but upon the calling of God on the ministers life. 6. A minister in a clerical collar is a walking testimony. The sight of a cheerful, happy minister confidently walking down the street can even be a magnet drawing people towards God. God does the calling; the minister is simply a visible sign God will use to draw people unto himself. 7. The clerical collar makes the minister available at all times for the work of the Gospel to the society at large. Because the clerical collar gives instant recognition, ministers who wear it make themselves more apt to be approached, particularly when seriously needed. Many ministers testify to being summoned for assistance in airports, crowded cities and isolated villages because they were immediately recognized as ministers. I can attest to this myself. 8. The clerical collar serves as a “sign of contradiction” to a world lost in sin and rebellion against the Creator. The collar makes a powerful statement: the minister as a living sacrifice has accepted the Redeemer’s mandate to take the Gospel into the public square, regardless of personal cost. 9. The “officers” in Christ’s army should be identifiable as such. Traditionally, we have remarked that believers are “soldiers” of Christ. Those who are ordained ministers must also be prepared – whatever the stakes – to shepherd the flock of the Lord. Those ministers who wear the clerical collar show their role unmistakably, as leaders in the Church. 10. As a minister your life is not your own; you belong to God in a special way, you are sent out to serve him with your life. When we wake each morning, we should turn our thoughts to our loving God, and ask for the grace to serve him well that day. We remind ourselves of our status as His chosen servants by putting on the attire that proclaims for all to see that God is still working in this world through the ministers of His Gospel. Now you know the reason behind the collar. It is not just a catholic statement, but a statement that I am in His army, called, sealed, commissioned and sent by Him, at all times.
Posted on: Fri, 06 Jun 2014 09:28:54 +0000
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