What do you wear?

As a pastor in a local United Methodist church there are certain things that I have with me every day:

• Bible
• Name tag for shirt
• Key badge on belt
• Wallet
• Mobile phone

If I leave home without any of these items I will return to get them. Sometimes I feel that these things that are not really necessary for the work of the Kingdom of God. There are certainly the practicalities of ministry that call for these things, but what do we really need? Perhaps some words from the Bible could provide guidance...

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, gainst 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 them, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in placer and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 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. (Ephesians 6:11-17, TNIV)

The state of our spirit, our willingness to serve and commitment to follow Jesus Christ are more important than the physical things that we carry with us every day. What do you wear or have with you every day?