What articles of clothing do you love to wear? Maybe it’s that sweater or jacket that’s just the right color and design and really expresses who you are. Maybe it’s the sweatshirt or pajamas that are just so comfortable you wear them as often as you can. Maybe it’s the clothes that are practical for the work at hand or the weather we’re facing. Maybe you’ve worn them so much, that they’ve gotten worn out and need to be replaced. We like clothing that’s comfortable, practical, or expresses who we are. But as with most clothes, we must wear them several times before they feel comfortable to us.
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22-24 about putting off our old selves − like dirty old clothes − and putting on our new selves after the likeness of God. Again, in Galatians 3:27, Paul writes that everyone who has been baptized in Christ has put on Christ.
Colossians 3:12-14 reads, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Look at that beautiful list of things followers of Christ get to wear. We have all of these in our wardrobe, and we’re encouraged to put them on every day. Brothers and sisters in Christ, we have put on Christ, and we are called to put on his characteristics as well. They don’t just look good on us, they are practical and much needed for the life we’re called to live. And these articles of spiritual clothing will never wear out. May we remember each day to put them on until we’re comfortable wearing them.
Jeff Bergeson is the pastor at Unity Presbyterian Church