Vividly remembering the torturous mental anguish foisted upon me by Queen Bee Becky Nottbohm back in the 4th grade and again in the 8th, I'm all in favor of reigning in the bullies-both the ones who physically prey on the meek, and those who employ emotional terrorism to attain playground superiority.

But I have my doubts that teaching children to put on khaki pants and collared shirts is the pathway to peace. I question whether requiring kids to put on shoelaces identical in color to their black, brown or burgundy Oxfords will change their hearts.

There's a dress code outlined in Colossians 3:12-14. It says exactly what a person should "put on."
            ... Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
            Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.
            And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

These component parts are a little bit difficult to find at Target or WalMart, but when my children are getting dressed in the morning, I'd rather they button down a compassionate attitude than the right white shirt. I'd rather my children know that it's more important to share your Crayola markers and glue sticks with the neighbor who has none than to worry about their socks being the correct length. I'd rather my children know that it's important to wait for the friend who's slow to tie his shoe than to be concerned about the shade of his laces. I'd rather my children learn that unity is precious rather than learn that uniformity is the solution to much of anything.