The habit is a three-layered outfit worn by monks, friars, and nuns.

It typically consists of a tunic, which is like a long shirt, covered by a sleeveless garment (called a scapular) and topped with a hooded garment with wide sleeves (a cowl). When we see the habit with all its layers, we know right away what it represents.

Plain Amish dress, the Jewish yarmulke, and the habit are all outward representations of inner devotion. The clothes remind the wearer of who they are and how they should behave. But religious clothing doesn’t emit holy powers. Clothes can’t save or purify.

Sanctification isn’t something we can put on ourselves. Even our religious activities can’t do it. Tithing, fasting, and caring for widows and orphans can be the outpouring of a sanctified heart, but they don’t clean us up any more than sanitizing our hands does.

We can dress the part, we can act the part, but only Jesus can truly sanctify our hearts. Only He can make us pure for God’s work. That’s grace.

Perhaps it’s good to wear a reminder of who we are, and it’s good to strive to follow Jesus. But our great efforts undoubtedly fail at times. Praise God, our salvation doesn’t depend on what we do, it’s about our heart and God’s grace.