In the third episode of the fourth season (1963) of the Andy Griffith Show, Ernest T. Bass wants to join the Army. After some trouble at the recruitment center Ernest T. is turned away and he vows to get even with everyone. Once finally apprehended by Sheriff Taylor for doing what Ernest T. does best (breaking windows) the truth behind his desire to enlist comes to light. He wants a uniform. That will make him a man in the eyes of the girls and allow him to find a bride. He says, “I could have been hitched by now if I’d only had one. I got everything else but. I got looks, brains, personality, I kiss good. The only thing standing twixt me and sweet romance is uniform.”
Andy gives Ernest T. one of Barney’s deputy uniforms to appease him. But the fact is known; the uniform didn’t change the man. Just because you put on a police uniform does not make you lawman. Just because you put on a pair of “Dress Blues” does not make you a Marine. Likewise, just because you put on the name of Christian doesn’t make you a child of God.
The uniform doesn’t make the man!
Many come to the cross and desire to be saved, they confess that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and are baptized. But Paul says by inspiration that we are to arise to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). In Colossians 3:1 we read, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.” And in Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
The uniform doesn’t make the man!
This is the difference between being baptized and being converted! For so many who call themselves Christians this idea is far too radical. They do not really want to be freed from their sins, just from the penalty of their sin. They don’t want this “new life” to encroach too much on the old one. The sad truth is that their lives really aren’t all that much different.
The uniform doesn’t make the man!
Jesus asked, “[W]hy do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say” (Luke 6:46)? More than a few of us need to read this passage and then take a hard look at our lives! When we stand before Him in Judgment he said we would say, “Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” To which He will respond, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:22-23)! Unless we are “converted…ye will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
The uniform doesn’t make the man!
When Ernest T. left the courthouse Andy says, “There goes a happy man.” And indeed Ernest T. left feeling good about himself. Many people are left to go their way feeling good about themselves by preachers and elders who care more about pleasing people than pleasing God. Jesus said true happiness comes to those who follow His example and keep His commands (John 13:17).
The uniform doesn’t make the man; the man makes the uniform!