[259 words]
Have you ever voyaged into the deep recesses of your closest only to discover clothing that is well past its time? The style is out, they no longer fit, and the holes are no longer justifiable in polite society. We would be embarrassed to be caught wearing some such things we find in there. Some clothes have so much wear and tear that salvaging them even for rags may be questionable! Time for them to go into the trash and time for a wardrobe change.
All Christians experience a wardrobe change! In fact, when we are baptized, we put on Christ (Gal. 3:27). Part of our charge is to put on the “armor of light” and “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 13:12-14). We even have access to God’s armor (Eph. 6:10-20).
Colossians 3 gives a frightening list of those old clothes that aren’t worth salvaging. Things from our old lives that not only need to be put off, but put to death! Fornication, impurity, evil desires, greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, lies, etc., all must be trashed (Col. 3:5-9).
Our new wardrobe as God’s children is completely different! Colossians 3:12-14 gives us the replacement for all that we must put off. Our new selves are clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forbearance, and forgiveness.
Finally, love unites all our clothing together as a beautiful outfit. Love completes the ensemble of Christian character and ties everything together.
May we resolve to have a wardrobe full of the adornments of God!
Logan Summers
Graeber Road church of Christ
Rosenberg, TX