The Scripture for today is Colossians 3:12-14 (The Message) 12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
I spent 21 years of my life in the U.S. Navy. During those years, my wardrobe was selected for me. My uniform was worn in a specific manner, the garments that I wore to train for physical fitness were subject to regulations and as a matter of fact, there were standards for how to dress when I wore “civilian” clothing. I must admit that figuring out what to wear and how to look was really easy during those years. When I retired from the Navy 14 years ago, I found that I have no real gift for putting together a great looking, properly accessorized outfit. I am a gal that is more likely to end up on “What Not to Wear” than the “Red Carpet” at the Oscars. As I read this verse from The Message, I was struck by the phrase “and regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.”
How like our Father to turn things upside down. In a world that dictates how we dress, how we look, what designer labels we should buy and focuses on our outer appearance, we have a hard time “measuring up”. There is incredible pressure to conform. The world teaches us to strive for the most current fashionable clothing, the “cool” shoes, the perfect accessories, and the sexiest makeup. Just as soon as we get it all together – everything changes. Out with the old, in with the new! God says to dress in compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. How refreshing! God’s wardrobe doesn’t require shopping, spending and striving - just LOVE. We can turn to him for help in getting dressed each day!
Just imagine how different a runway show would be if we all dressed in the wardrobe God chose for us. Can you just picture a woman radiating compassion to the people all around her, a man clothed with quiet strength, a teenager wrapped in humility or a little child cloaked with kindness? It’s highly unlikely that the paparazzi would be snapping photos and the editors of Vogue would be clamoring to publish the photos in their next spread. The world doesn’t recognize beauty in these "garments" but God does. We can, too. Today as you go about your daily routine, take some time to look for these children of God clothed in the wardrobe that he picked out for them - LOVE. As appropriate, recognize and encourage these brothers and sisters in Christ. Maybe, just maybe, someone will compliment you on your “outfit” today.
Lord Jesus, thank you for teaching us how to dress in our God-designed wardrobes. Help us to don compassion, kindness, humility and quiet strength. We want to wear LOVE! Give us eyes to see your beauty shining in the people all around us. We love you, Lord Jesus. Amen.
Kelly