Like everyday, after waking up and doing my morning routine, I go into my closet and decide what am I going to wear. Some days are easy. If I know I will be at my desk writing for most of the day, I put on some comfy clothes (you know, pants with the elastic waistband, for ease and comfort ;0 ). If on that day, I know I will be at the church or meeting with folks at various coffee shops, I then need to consider, will I be doing a lot of walking? If so, maybe I should wear pants and comfy shoes. If I will be rather stationary, I can pull out the heels, maybe even a cute dress. And then there is the weather to consider. I also think about the vibe I am going for. Is this a professional meeting? Or am I meeting a friend? Do I feel fun? Or should I dress to be taken seriously?

I actually think about what it is I am trying to communicate in the clothes that I choose to wear. So many factors to consider, just in getting dressed!

The Apostle Paul understood that clothes reflect who we are and what we want to communicate.

In Colossians 3:12, he writes:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Paul encourages us to clothe ourselves with the traits of our God, so that we may look more like Jesus.

So how do we do that?

Maybe a place to start is to think about the struggles in our lives that keep us from living more like Jesus, and then replace them with different actions.

for instance, if we are generally sarcastic and cutting we choose to say something kind instead (clothing ourselves with kindness).
If we tend to come across harsh, we choose to be gentle in our response (clothing ourselves with gentleness).
If we are holding a grudge, we choose to forgive and let it go (clothing ourselves with humility).

As we put on the qualities of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience the changes it produces will be evident in the way that we treat those around us.

So, what are you wearing today?