Saturday, February 20, 2016

The Proper Attire



With the weather ranging from 40 degrees to 80 degrees in the same 24 hour period, it has been interesting to dress during these recent winter days.  Which temperature would I choose for my choice of attire for the day?  Usually layering of clothing seemed to be the best option.

Fortunately, the Bible spells out the dress code we are to wear every day no matter what the weather or temperature.  To look and behave our best, there are certain things that no longer need to be an option for us to choose.  We need to get rid of all falsehood, anger, stealing, unwholesome talk, bitterness, rage, brawling, slander, and malice.  Then we are ready to dress appropriately for the day.  In The Armor of God Bible study, Priscilla Shirer reminds us that wearing the breastplate of righteousness means replacing your old garments with carefully selected attributes that align with the light of Christ.”  Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:24 that we are to “Put on the new self…created after the likeness of God.”  Every day I need to put on the virtues of humility, gentleness, patience, a loving spirit, truth, kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.  Those virtues are to be worn every day, no matter the temperature, weather, or season.  And they will never be out of style or wear out.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:22-24, 31, 32

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