Are You Dressed Yet?

That’s a loaded question. The answer could be “yes”, even if you’re sporting your jammies, your swimsuit, or a 3-piece suit. A t-shirt and shorts may mean a comfortable afternoon at home or the park. A silky chiffon dress might mean a special night out. My Austin children went to a wedding yesterday, but before they went, they had to go into their evening wear closet. As I type this, I’m in my Abercrombie-NY t-shirt and workout pants – just got in from the fitness center and taking Bentley out for his morning walk.

But, there’s another wardrobe closet we need to go to every day. The Apostle Paul instructs believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” – meaning spiritual clothing (Romans 13:14). When we put on Christ, we look different, we act differently, we speak differently, because we not only wear Christ on the outside, but we are also filled with Christ on the inside. And it shows. People notice. They become curious and want to know why our lives are different from theirs, why we have peace and joy in abundance, whatever the circumstances are, why we aren’t greedy like everyone else, why we aren’t consumed with lust, why we aren’t angry all the time, why we don’t chime in when nasty jokes and gossip are being told.

Time to check what we’re wearing! If no one is noticing how our life is different from theirs, why is that? If no one is asking us how we can have such peace and joy, why is that? If no one can see Christ in us, we probably need to go back to Christ’s apparel closet!

St. Paul told us how best we should clothe ourselves for everyday living. He encourages us to clothe ourselves with five distinct attributes of Christ. So, if we’re asked: “Are you dressed yet?” – these are the clothes that matter, regardless of how we’re stylin’ or what “threads” we have on:

~ Clothes yourselves with compassion. Compassion is a way of living that reaches others with the hands and feet of Christ in very practical and loving ways.

~ Clothes yourselves with kindness. Kindness can be an encouraging word to a friend or a gesture that says, “I see you. You matter.” Kindness is a way of living that finds such great pleasure in making others feel cared about.

~ Clothes yourselves with humility. Humility is the epitome of selflessness. It’s a way of living that looks to others first because they genuinely care.

~ Clothes yourselves with gentleness. Gentleness is a way of living that expresses quiet, peaceful and calmness in our approach with others.

~ Clothes yourselves with patience. Patience is a calm, peaceful endurance. It is a way of living that accepts God’s timing as perfect timing, trusting Him Who holds all things in His hands.

Excuse me while I put on Christ and the perfect outfit that just might impress and bless someone with what I’m wearing. Maybe you’d like to try on this outfit, too! This clothing is compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I might add on a scarf of love for good measure. When we’re wearing this outfit, we are sure to be dressed for success – in God’s eyes and in the eyes of the beholders!