Choose Your Clothing Carefully

(The following is a synopsis of the message from Sunday, December 31, 2006:)

This year, as you make selections from among all of your clothing options, be assured that God is more concerned that believers enrobe themselves with the demeanor and disposition of Christ. In our text today from Colossians 3:12-17, as Paul encourages believers to communicate with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, Paul also includes a word of instruction about a Christian’s spiritual wardrobe. As we close out the old year and prepare for the new, let’s ask ourselves how we can put the truth of this text into action.

Clean out your closet thoroughly. The end of the year is a great time to clean out your closet. It is an especially good time to clean the emotional and spiritual skeletons out of your soul’s closet. In other words, don’t let past sins keep you from future blessings.

Choose your clothing carefully. As a child I wore a black and white plaid jacket and bowtie for a family portrait. As a junior high student, I was definitely in style when I wore red, white, and blue bell bottom slacks. And when I preached my first sermons, I alternated wearing a blue leisure suit and a brown leisure suit. Now, those styles are definitely dated.

Will you dress with style this year? One fashion web site predicts the following fashion trends in 2007:

High hosiery in multiple colors, often worn in layers, will be the trend for women.
Earth tones are “in” for men and for women.
Regal purple sweaters will be a bestseller in the men’s clothing line up.
Celtic plaid from the 80’s is making a comeback, especially among teens.
Jeans will be adorned with assorted and sometimes gaudy jewelry called “denim candy.”

Your faith should definitely influence your choice of clothing. Generally, followers of Christ should dress modestly and practice good hygiene. In Colossian, however, Paul reminds believers of a more important dress code:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 TM.

Wear your faith and values consistently. Be your redeemed self 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Internalize the teachings of Jesus so that you can externalize the spirit and disposition of Jesus.

During the coming year, it is possible that others may get to know Christ by first getting to know you.