Colossians 3:12-14
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.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My closet is probably a lot like most people’s… overflowing with garments for all kinds of occasions. And yet, I seem to wear the same things over and again. I bet if you were honest, you would have to admit that you have things you wear occasionally that you don’t even really like all that much. They don’t make you feel good about yourself... something isn’t quite right. Maybe the garment is too tight – or too loose. Maybe it’s the wrong color, out of style, or starting to show some wear. Conversely, you most likely have at least one item you can reach for that always makes you feel happy and ready to greet the world.
Our attitudes… and our Christian faith… are something like our wardrobe. God has given us all new “Spiritual clothing.” When we wear His garments, we always feel good… and our attitudes reflect this. We are especially happy and well-prepared for the challenges of the world when we put on love.
But sometimes, we drag out old “clothes” that don’t fit right or suit us… offense, unkindness, a quick temper, gossip, foul language, bigotry, and more. Let’s be honest, none of these “garments” are pretty on anybody!
I would suggest that we all consider a good closet cleaning. Sure… we may need to do this to our actual closets, too. But I’m talking about our “Spiritual closet.” Let’s take a really hard look at what is in our wardrobe and weed out anything that wasn’t placed there by God. Let’s dress in the beautiful “garments” He has provided… and be sure to wear love every day! I’m fairly certain our overall attitude will improve… and others will notice! Better yet, God will be pleased… and He will reward our efforts to “dress for Spiritual success.”
When was the last time you cleaned YOUR closet? Don’t you think you should?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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