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THOSE WHO do not know the Scriptures err, and those who err must be corrected (Matthew 22:29). Errors if not detected and corrected corrupt standards.
You know that many pastors wear clerical collars, but their church members do not wear them. I do not know why.
Years ago, an American pastor defended the wearing of clerical collars in an article, stating that they prevent him from misconducting himself in public.
According to him, anytime he wears a clerical collar, it reminds him of who he is thereby restraining him from sinning.
A pastor wearing the white collar over a black, blue or purple shirt is symbolically explained to mean that the whole world lies in darkness; he alone is the light in it.
But how true is this explanation? Does it mean that other church members who are not permitted to wear the collars are in darkness or that they are not the light of the world?
In other words, does a pastor wearing a clerical collar during a church service seek to symbolically tell his church members that they are sinners?
Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, says that all His disciples are the light of the world (Matthew 5:13-16); they are also a kingdom and priests to God (Revelation 1:6).
Now, we know that the early ministers did not wear clerical collars to prevent them from sinning.
Therefore, when a pastor says today that his clerical collar prevents him from misconducting himself in public, then he is confessing his faithlessness and misalignment with God.
In fact, he is actually saying that he is not linked up with God to demonstrate His fear or that his good public conduct is based on his respect for a piece of cloth and not based on his reverent fear for God.
Such a minister will undoubtedly indulge in all kinds of evil acts if he does not wear the collar. This exposes him as a sinner because he does not sincerely fear God in his heart.
When a servant of Christ truly fears Him, he will not need a collar to police him. But as it is today the collar is many ministers’ policeman.
By James Quansah
