Outfit of the Week

Okay, let’s be honest. These Outfit of the Week posts are just for fun. They’re silly and not all that important in the grand scheme of things, but I enjoy doing them. And like it or not, the way we dress influences the way others see us. It also has a lot to do with how we feel about ourselves. Today I want to share something with a little more substance about “dressing for success.” (I wish it was my original content, but it’s actual from a devotion I recently did from Rick Warren!)

In Colossians 3:12-16 Paul talks about a wardrobe that’s always in style:

“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 whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

1. Clothe yourself in compassion – Be sensitive to others.

2. Cover yourself with kindness – Give people what they need; not what they deserve. Kindness is love in action.

3. Wrap yourself in humility – Admit mistakes and share credit for successes.

4. Dress up with gentleness – Be gentle with people who are struggling.

5. Put on patience – Put up with people who you’d rather put down.

6. Over all these virtues, put on love – Love is the overcoat! It’s the only way to do the other five steps.

I don’t know about you, but it’s much easier for me to put on a cute outfit and makeup and head out the door than it is to practice the steps above. The only way for me to live this way is up there in verse 16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” If I don’t spend time in God’s Word I’m completely powerless when it comes to treating people the way I should. In fact, I usually do the opposite of the six steps above. Yikes! Take a minute to think about what Colossians 3:12-16 means in your life. Who do you need to treat with compassion? Are you up for the challenge of dressing for success today? You can even do it in your sweats!