T-shirts. Jeans. Cardigans. Ankle boots. Little jewelry. Nothing fancy. These are the wardrobe choices I make to reflect my physical lifestyle at the moment. But what do I put on to portray who I am on the inside? What can I wear to convey the message of my heart? The Apostle Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12. These are certainly admirable qualities, yet I must confess I don’t always think about cloaking myself in them. I should. Perhaps, you should, too.
Just imagine for a moment what the world around us could be like if we took the time to dress ourselves in these virtues every day. Compassion would sow love. Kindness would diffuse sadness. Humility would meet everyone’s needs. Gentleness would allay fear. And, patience would turn away wrath. What a significant impact these selfless qualities would have! Perhaps, we could don them more readily if we kept in mind the perfect wearer of them…Jesus. During his ministry on earth, he exemplified each one perfectly, in everything he said and did. How did he do so consistently? He called upon his Heavenly Father, asking for his help. He followed the leading of the Holy Spirit, relying on his guidance. And, he remembered the Kingdom of God, sacrificially setting his priorities according to it.
As we enter into this season that recognizes our Savior’s birth, may we clothe ourselves with his very attitude. May we call upon our Heavenly Father, routinely asking for his help. May we stay in step with His Spirit, moving wherever He leads us. As we walk about the Kingdom, our new apparel will surely yield us ample opportunity to spread good tidings of great joy and a message of eternal hope!
G r a z i n g U p w a r d 