The saying, “Clothes make the man,” is attributed to Mark Twain. The Bible agrees. How we dress as representatives of Christ is so important. No, I’m not talking about suits and ties for men or dresses vs. pants for women, and I’m certainly not saying we should only wear our “Jesus” T-shirts. And hear me loud and clear – I’m not saying that we should judge others by the clothes they wear. Paul talks about a different kind of “clothing” that all Christians should wear –“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). If the mission is to make Jesus known to the world, then dressing “in Jesus” is the best way to do it. He expounded on the idea in his letter to the church in Colosse.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothes yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). This is the kind of “fashion” that never goes out of style. Every piece is an expression of the character and nature of Jesus Christ.
Compassion is simply a feeling of concern for someone else. Compassion sees others’ needs.
Kindness does something about that need. Kindness responds to what compassion feels.
Humility sees self as the least important person in the picture. Hear this carefully, humility is not self-abasement or self-condemnation. It is simply saying, “I am second – I will put you first.”
Gentleness doesn’t get its feathers ruffled. Gentleness is meek – but it’s not wimpy.
Patience doesn’t give up on others. It is in it for the long haul. (This is my personal word from God today.)
In the fashion world, one piece – a belt or scarf – can “pull the whole outfit together.” Likewise, there is one more item we must not forget, one that Paul says “binds them all together in perfect unity”: love. He said, “Over all these, put on love” (v. 14). The truth is, many people are doing all these good things. The difference is love. But it’s more than “love” in the Western understanding of the word. It is a love that flows from God into our own hearts and spills out on those around us in the form of all these other “garments.” It is the kind of love that seeks the very best for another, to the point of self-sacrifice. And like every good fashion show, it throws the spotlight back onto the Designer.
So what will you wear today Beloved? A striped shirt? A pair of jeans? Your favorite sweater? Don’t forget to put on Christ – the world needs to see Jesus in you.
Deeper Roots 