A Spiritual Fashion Statement

When God really wants (and yes, needs) to get a message to me, I admit that sometimes it is necessary for Him to bonk me on the head to get my attention. It is at those times when reading a scripture during my devotional time brings a momentary twinge to my heart, but it doesn’t linger. And then later that day, the same verse will pop up in my Facebook feed. Followed by its use in an unrelated blog post. It emerges in my Bible memory app. And then …. Ok, God, got it. This isn’t a coincidence.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

I consider these words. There is a peace, a comforting stillness that warms me throughout this verse. God desires to love me with an extravagant, reckless, unconditional love. I am one of God’s chosen people, perfectly and sacrificially loved! And these five virtues are like a soothing balm to my soul. I would readily cover myself with these calming attributes. Sounds great to me.

And then the pause which tells me I am not quite getting it. I back up to the word clothe. Ok, I need to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Just like I was taught to put on the full armour of God every morning by envisioning buckling the belt of truth around my waist; adjusting the breastplate of righteousness in place; fitting my feet with shoes of peace and preparedness; holding up my shield of faith; placing the helmet of salvation on my head; and taking my sword of the Spirit with me. (Ephesians 6:13-17) Ready for battle.

I am going to need more time in the morning to get dressed. This is a lot to remember. And a little confusing trying to decide if these five virtues are undergarments of my body armour or outerwear. A T-shirt, yoga pants and socks, or a scarf, mittens and goggles? Essentially, is the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience for me on the inside or is it for others on the outside?

I believe, just like actual clothing, it is for both. Putting clothes on is intentional and necessary as soon as you step out of your home. Often sooner. There are definite consequences for not doing so. This is where I need to go beyond recognizing not only the consequences I would bear from my neglect to properly clothe myself, but also what others would suffer.

Paul wrote these instructions to the church in Colosse in approximately 60 A.D while he was imprisoned in Rome. Almost two thousand years ago. The world must have been as crazy and hurting then as it is now for these very relevant and timely words to resonate so deeply in my soul.

Therefore, because God loves me, I must extend compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to the people in my sphere. All of them. At all times. I don’t choose to wear clothes only some days to some places. But now when suffering, fear, anxiety, uncertainty, anger, grief, fatigue and high emotions are rampant, it is essential that I choose my outfit more intentionally. Make a spiritual fashion statement. Maybe add some sequins. Maybe get a bigger size. Maybe get two.

Honestly, I find it overwhelming. I find it hard to share my favourite, comfy sweater. I want to keep it for myself unstained and untorn. It is much easier to pull out the old, forgotten hoodie from the back of the closet to provide someone in need rather than offer my best. It’s good enough. I feel a little guilty when I do this. But then I hear the tiny voice that justifies – “It’s ok. What if it gets cold? You need a sweater too! And you just got that one for your birthday. It’s special.”

So how do I clothe myself with virtues that are not always naturally, abundantly occurring when I am tired and hurting too? Thankfully, the answer is in Galatians 5:22, 23

“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

God, in His infinite love for all humans, has already beautifully sewn each piece of my wardrobe. I just need to intentionally choose every day, with the power of the Holy Spirit, to wear it.

Cindy