Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Scripture Insights
“Clothes make the man.” At least, that’s what my dad said when it was time to dress up. What I didn’t know was that he was quoting Mark Twain, who was paraphrasing Shakespeare, who was quoting Erasmus, who was paraphrasing Homer. Who knew dress clothes had a lineage all the way back to the seventh century BC?
Like it or not, scientific literature and our own personal experience demonstrate that what we wear impacts how others perceive us. In the athleisure world in which we live, this kind of research seems dated, but note this: in scientific studies, the person in the white lab coat gets better results than the equally qualified in plain clothes. This actually has everything to do with blessing our community. How we present ourselves influences the way others perceive us.
I’m not suggesting that our clothing will make us better servants of Christ, but I am encouraging us to hear Paul’s words in Colossians 3 to “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” When we “dress” this way, it is evident that we truly are, as Paul says, “holy and dearly loved.” Whatever garments you wear, be clothed with the fruit of the Spirit. Then you will be a blessing in your community.
Today’s Prayer
Lord Jesus—you who clothed yourself in flesh that you might reach us—enable us to clothe ourselves in your righteousness, that we might be a blessing to our communities.
—Sam Barber
CotN District Superintendent, South Central Ohio
