11-6-2019

Good Morning All,

         Colossians 3:12; “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, 

compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience"

    It is rapidly getting to the time of year when heavier coats and warmer shoes are needed.  The weather is definitely getting chillier and a change in the season brings about a change in clothing; just not always everyone.  I have one of the confirmands who wears shorts almost all year around.  We have a minister in the area who usually has sandals on.  I just look and shake my head but they can wear what they want to wear.

    What we wear, what we put on reflects a lot about us.  It can appear that we are a rebel and we don’t wear what is expected of us or we can appear to be the crowd pleaser, always wearing what is currently in style.  We can place comfort over style or practicality over aesthetics.  We can be the person who thinks, “I don’t care what it looks like; at least I am warm.”  Or we can be the one who thinks, “I maybe freezing but I look marvelous!”  What we wear can say volumes about us as well.  Are you a real cowboy or a storefront cowboy?  Are you real or are you a faker?

    The Apostle Paul is telling the Colossians what to wear.  In the previous couple of chapters, he explains their salvation.  In the third chapter he explains, “now that you are saved; you are different.”  They will live differently, talk differently, act differently, and present themselves differently than they did before they were saved.  Before, they were selfish, arrogant, mean, uncaring, boastful and harsh.  They lived a life that showed they only cared for themselves and not others.

    Now, things are different and Paul wants them to be aware of the differences so he speaks to them using this language so they would think about it every time they woke up and got dressed.  This would be good for us as well.  Every morning, as you get dressed, remember Paul’s admonition.  When you put on your socks and pants, shoes and shirt think about putting on kindness, gentleness, compassionate hearts, meekness and the like.  Some call this intentionally Christian.  This is where we look for ways and times that we may display the love of Christ for another person.

    In being intention, you think about the day ahead, the people you interact with and how you can display Christ’s love to them.  It requires you to think.  You need to think about who Jesus is and how we should interact with others because of our faith in him.  Then it requires you to think ahead to the people you interact with on a regular basis and how God’s love can be seen in your life and action.  In order to do this, you need to dress properly, putting on Christ in all that you do.

Gracious Lord, clothe me in your holiness that I may be your voice, your hands, your compassionate heart in this broken world.  Give me the understanding to reach out and the willingness to take hold of those who are hurting.  In the precious name of Jesus we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret