Is Your Wardrobe in Style?
by Tracy Gordon
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” –Colossians 3:12-14
Coming off of Easter, I am still in awe at what Jesus did, because what He did changes who we are, which changes how we think, which changes how we live. Let’s recap…Jesus lived a perfect life, died in our place, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven where He is the King of Kings, our Lord and Savior. Therefore, we set our minds on things above and see that He’s all in all the supreme object of our desires and the supreme example of how we should live differently. We put off the old self and put on the new self. What Jesus did changed who we are and therefore changed our mindset, and therefore daily changes how we live.
Clothing is certainly a big part of our lives as we need to put it on each and every day. How many times have we stood in front of our closets and said, “What am I wearing today?” Us gals will often call one another and ask, “What are you wearing to so-and-so’s birthday party?”
I remember having battles with my children, especially as they got older, on what was appropriate to wear to special events. I would say, “This is a time to kick it up a notch!” I would receive a big deep sigh and possibly an eye roll, but they would kick it up. Heaven forbid they be the most dressed up at an event, ha ha!
In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul tells the people, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Paul repeatedly uses the metaphor of clothing to describe the change in how we live; “put off and put on.” We have a new identity which leads to how we live. We are a son/daughter of the Most High King, therefore we must dress like a son/daughter of the Most High King. We must wear spiritual clothing that fits who God says we are. We should wear humility like it’s a new shirt, put patience on like a new pair of pants, and put on love like a belt that binds it all together for the perfect outfit.
Later in the verse, Paul urges us to be forgiving, and to do so because the Lord has forgiven us. What Jesus did changes who we are and therefore changes how we respond when others hurt us. The old self grows bitter and resentful when we are wronged, but the new self forgives, knowing that we are loved by God. Because of this we have patience and kindness for those who hurt us, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Colossians 3 allows us to do a closet check. What’s in your wardrobe? What kind of clothes, spiritually speaking, are you wearing? Is humility your cloak or do you always need approval from others? Are you kind? Do you smile at people? Are you warm, affectionate, and compassionate? Are you patient, knowing how to wait with a happy heart? Do you demand that things happen your way right now, or are you able to recognize that God loves you so an unexpected change in plans is His good purpose for you? Do you find it easy to overlook a fault and give people the benefit of the doubt; or when you can’t, are you able to forgive their sin because of Christ’s forgiveness? Are you held together by love for God and for your neighbor? If not, do not despair. Jesus is not deterred by our filthy rags or tattered garments. If you’ve ever failed as I have, then remember that what Jesus did changes who you are. Set your mind on Him and live your life with Him as the supreme example. Then, in light of His love for you, start changing your clothes. Day by day, hour by hour, relying on Him, put off the old self and put on the new one. The thing about spiritual clothes is that they never go out of style and always fit perfectly since Jesus is our master tailor. May you be blessed as you shop for a new wardrobe.
Lord Jesus, You are the best dresser ever! Thank You for Your example that never goes out of style. When we falter and start to wear our old clothes again, thank You for being patient with us and nudging us to “kick it up a notch!” You are forever faithful, and we are forever grateful. We praise You, Jesus! Amen.