Blue, purple, and grey (and a little brown.)
Some people’s wardrobes are reminiscent of summer shades or a fall feel. Mine most resembles a bruise.
But there are a few good reasons for that…one in particular…
I’m not great at color coordination and those colors tend to pair off easily. Also, I don’t spend a ton of time thinking about what I wear. Function comes before form.
That said, the multiple metaphors in Scripture about dressing ourselves with godly characteristics haven’t always mattered much to me.
Then I got hung up on Colossians 3:12.
“There, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds all together in perfect unity.”
What does it mean to clothe ourselves spiritually?
What we “put on” represents:
- What we’re equipped or prepared for
Like a uniform with specific pockets, labels, and fitment, the virtues God wants us to put on are designed to help us fulfill our mission.
- What we’re protected against
Along with godly virtues, we’re also called to put on the armor of God. The same way we wear coats in the winter to protect ourselves from frostbite, clothing ourselves with God’s righteousness, peace, etc., is part of taking care of our faith.
Put on the armor of God. The same way we wear coats in the winter to protect ourselves from frostbite, clothing ourselves with God’s righteousness, peace, etc., is part of taking care of our faith. @BethanyMcIlrath Click To Tweet- What we’re known or recognized for
It’s no coincidence Joseph’s coat of many colors put his brothers over the edge. What we wear says something about us. My wardrobe suggests I’m practical and straightforward, for example.
Spiritually, clothing ourselves in Christ signifies that what we’re known for is belonging to Him. @BethanyMcIlrath Click To Tweet
- How we reflect the One who provides for us
God clothed the first people. He provides everything we have. What we choose to put on reflects on God the way a child bundled up in the snow can reflect his parent’s care for him or our home’s appearance can reflect how we value it. Adorning the doctrine of Christ means living a faith that reflects much about Christ.
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#LINKUP Party is open! This #ThanksgivingWeek, @BethanyMcIlrath challenges us to evaluate our spiritual wardrobe. What are you wearing in #faith today? #Thanksgiving Click To Tweet
Bethany, so many applications from this! Thank you, and may you enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks Debbie! Happy thanksgiving to you too!
Love this. laurensparks.net
I do love clothes but function does dictate my wardrobe often too! I’m thankful God provides and may I always ‘wear’ His provisions with complete respect, gratitude and love. Thought-provoking post!
Thank you! Glad I’m not the only one more concerned with function!
Good word, Bethany. What we wear DOES say something about us. When we clothe ourselves Christian…as belonging to God, it means those attributes of kindness, compassion, and so on, look good on us. Thank you!
They do look good on us, praise the Lord. Thanks Karen!
This is something we all need to think more about. Love the analogy: “What we choose to put on reflects on God the way a child bundled up in the snow can reflect his parent’s care for him or our home’s appearance can reflect how we value it.”
Thanks Lisa! That one is meaningful to me too!