Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:14. NLT
Sunday, our Associate Pastor, Josh Hubbard, preached a sermon from Colossians 3:1-17. It was the final message in a series called “Healthy Home”. This topic has already been on my heart for all the marriages and families in our world today. One of the statements that hit me came from our Senior Leader, Pastor Michael Hurley. “Good can get in the way of godly. We don’t just want good marriages and families, we want godly marriages and families”. The only way we can achieve godly marriages and families is if we surrender to our God.
This led me to think about the “put on, put off” scriptures. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off 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. Ephesians 4: 22-24. Getting up in the morning, putting off my nightclothes and putting on my day clothes, I got to thinking. I usually think about what my day’s schedule is like and dress accordingly. My closet has some dressy clothes, winter and summer choices, and even some stay home and lounge clothes. As I have gotten older, I realize comfort is my go to outfit. If I don’t think I am going to leave the house, I gravitate to comfy slouch. If the day holds appointments or even grocery shopping I will opt for a bit more presentable look.
The question I pondered this week was, what does my attitude closet look like? What are my go to thoughts? In writing more to the Ephesians, Paul goes one to say: Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Ephesians 4:25. If I want to speak truthfully to my neighbor, friend or family, how do I speak about them in my own heart? Colossians 3: 12, Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. When was the last time you woke up and said, “Hmmm, where is my tender heart? I must have misplaced it!” Paul’s admonition was given not only to the Colossae church, but also the church at Ephesus. Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24. To the Romans he encouraged: But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14. The Thessalonians he wrote: But since we belong tot he day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. I Thessalonians 5:8. Reading each of the scriptures, scattered throughout the New Testament, makes me understand it wasn’t just something for “them”, but it is for all of us believers to not only take notice of, but do.
Much of our American culture have relaxed their dress codes. The honor of dressing up for church, travel and even business meetings has slowly slipped to what we can get by with. Giving honor by using formal names such as Mr. or Mrs. has given way to George and Sue, no matter their age or status. Mrs. Rodman sounds so formal, but when or if I’m called by that name, I do feel a bit honored. Could it be even speaking with honor and respect instead of using cusswords would help us reflect on how we are spiritually dressed? My friends, if we put on the Lord Jesus Christ every day, how we might influence our world. So many are short tempered, given to abusive language, and contempt and still want to represent Him. I think this makes Him sad.
It’s easy to “gussy” up for strangers with our attitudes. But what about our family? Those close to us? Do they receive our tender-heart, kindness and patience? It isn’t easy, but I think they should receive the best of our first fruits. What fills your attitude closet? God’s ways? Or your ways? I once was a member of a holiness church. There was a dress code–especially for women. Unfortunately there was deep sin in the camp. As I look back I can only wish they would have talked about dealing with our heart dress instead of focusing so much on the outer dress.
Father, help us clean our closet. Show us the right attitudes that bring glory and honor to You. Forgive us for falling so short of these exhortations, in Jesus
Faith Encounters 