As I was reading Colossians 3:12-17, I began to identify with clothing. I have always loved fashion and stylish clothing. When I was a child I loved to watch my mom dress. I admired how she prepared her clothing and jewelry. She would lay everything out and match the colors. And when she got dressed she was beautiful. During that time, my mom sent me to Charm School where I learned proper etiquette and how to dress, how to walk, and all those customs. This was all brought to mind when reading what Paul writes in this portion of Colossians.
Clothing is important and it is nice to dress up, but there is better and more important clothing Paul shares here. I must be clothed in clothing that has value and lasts for eternity. It is clothing that will transform me with the character of God. Paul says to clothe yourself by putting on “tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering.” Then he tells us to “bear with one another, forgive one another; if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you so you also must do. But above all these things put on love…” Wow!
The difference with this type of clothing is that it is internal, not external as the stylish clothing of the world. This clothing all adds up to God’s grace. Because of these gracious blessings, we have from God, we have a responsibility, to put on the beautiful graces of the Christian life described in these verses. Instead of needing to clothe myself with the world’s fashion statement, I can exchange that desire for the Spirit’s clothing of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I can learn patience with others on the journey of Christ transforming my heart – a journey that leads to lasting peace. It’s a lifetime of quiet, gradual transformation in Christ. I desire the clothing that lasts. The style that I wear will attract others to the light and the truth as I allow God’s Spirit to work in me. I have a whole new meaning of fashion, style and to be clothed. It is embracing others, embracing conflicts, and embracing life through the eyes of Jesus. It ain’t easy, but there is the will to surrender, allowing Him to do His work in me. What about you?
Amen!
Sybil Clanton
