As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
clothe yourselves with compassion,
kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.
Colossians 3:12
When I’m able, I write these reflections several days in advance. On the day I’m writing this, one of the big news items is that Massachusetts judges just ruled that “up-skirt,” peeping-tom-style photos are not illegal. (Sadly, some corners of our culture are clothing (and decency) optional.)
Rest assured, however, that the Christian faith is not clothing optional!!!
In Ephesians 6, for example, the Apostle Paul encourages us to clothe ourselves with protective gear like the breastplate of righteousness, the helmet of salvation, and the belt of truth. These are defensive adornments, because, as Paul says, “our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against … the cosmic powers of this present darkness” (Eph 6:12).
Spiritually – and on one side – we need to clothe ourselves modestly, wisely, and defensively. Why? Because there clearly forces in this world that are seeking to do us harm.
And yet we’re also called to be beautiful. Attractive!
· In physical fashion, people often adorn themselves with current fashions, attractive colors, sparkling jewelry, and a tailored fit.
· In spiritual fashion, God invites us to adorn ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” This means rather than selfish and proud, we’re called to be sensitive and generous. Helpful rather than aloof. Patient rather than perturbed.
Why?!
It’s not for our own vain glory. It’s so that others may see our winsomeness and be attracted to the source of our beauty: Jesus Christ.
In Christ’s Love,
a guy who tries to look
for the Jesus-beauty in others
(rather than picking at faults)
he Apostle Paul tells us to
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