This Old Thing?

“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips…Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:8, 12

Whenever I go anywhere during the day, whether it be church, work, a social event or errands I cannot wait to get home and replace my clothes with my elastic waist shorts and a sweatshirt. I finish off my “comfort clothes” with a pair of socks and I’m done! There is nothing like slipping into the most comfortable clothes we have to wear, even if it is not pleasant to the eyes.

Our sinful nature is similar to our “comfort clothes” as we so easily put those on when we feel rightfully entitled to wear them. This exhortation from Paul is immediate and essential in living a Spirit-filled life. Daily, we are to rid ourselves of these emotions and characteristics for they are not part of holy living as children of God.

He challenges us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience which are not natural to us. We are to dress in Christ, for Christ and because of Christ so that others may recognize the powerful responses of a Christian when faced with circumstances that require His power, His strength and His indwelling.

Once the decision is made to reflect the image of Christ, efforts must be taken to clean out our closet and rid ourselves of the clutter that prevents the wardrobe of Christ from hanging in its place. Ask God to reveal your “comfort clothes” so He may replace them with His divine garments.