So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. (Col 3:12-14)You see it there, right? Because we are chosen of God, holy, and beloved, "put on ...", and it lists the "clothing" we are to wear.
It's a pretty extensive list. It begins with "compassion" and ends with "love." And that "love" is the full-on, agape type. Unconditional, selfless, giving ... that love. It's listed as "beyond all." There's a lengthy section about "forgiving each other" because we're required to forgive. Jesus said if we don't, we won't be forgiven (Matt 6:14-15). (Which, by the way, suggests that true believers will forgive because it is part of their new nature to do so.) One that I've recently found interesting is that "kindness" one. Paul wrote for us to be kind to one another. What did he really say? The word is chrēstos. It means, interestingly enough, "useful." That is, the biblical idea of "kindness" is being useful to others. According to Paul, it's a fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). How are we -- you and I -- doing at being "useful" to others? (You can see how "kindness" is an outward-looking trait, as opposed to so many things we treasure that look inward.)
Christians are supposed to be known for their love for one another (John 13:35). We're supposed to be "kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph 4:32). These things are not a "to-do list." They're our dress code. We're supposed to wear them, put them on, have them with us at all times. They are both Spirit-provided and our choice. Put them on. You (and I) ... put them on. I hope you're going out dressed appropriately.
8 comments:
Here I was hoping for a controversial take on church clothing. This was better. Living the Christian life will look different from the non-Christian life. And it is so saddening that it is so difficult to tell anymore.
When I contemplate my special attire as a (female) believer, I know my wardrobe will include “the garments of salvation” and the “robe of righteousness” (Isa. 61:10), a “gentle and quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3:4), “modest apparel” (1 Tim. 2:9), as well as the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:11-17). I also desire to display those qualities you highlight today, which ought to be my Christian “uniform” of sorts as the Lord nurtures the fruit of the Spirit in me. May I be dressed in a manner fitting for the daughter of the King, as I put on Christ and the new nature.
I live near “the Plain People” of Pennsylvania, who believe that their distinctive style of dress is an expression of their faith, a commitment to their community’s unique lifestyle, and separation from worldly fashion. Their “plain dress” is meant to avoid drawing attention to themselves, as they eschew individuality in a spirit of humility and modesty. Ironically, though, outside of their own community, they are very much “on display,” drawing much attention by their appearance--thus defeating their own purpose, to my mind. How much better to “stand out” for one’s behavior, character, and inner qualities than by one’s outward attire.
Just out of curiosity, doesn't their distinctive dress actually draw attention to them? It seems like dressing as if one is still in the 1800's is going to draw attention in 2025, no matter what. Is there a way to dress simply and that doesn't draw attention, without the anachronistic elements?
This is truly curiosity, I regularly spend time in areas with an heavy Amish concentration, as well as in parts of Utah which are heavily LDS, and in both cases their attire draws attention rather than deflects. I don't disagree at all with the premise, but wonder if there's another way to accomplish their goal.
Yes, things we should "put on."
I see that you picked up on my theme (I’m sure it wasn’t difficult :). I enjoy opportunities like that to gather all the Bible verses I can think of on a particular topic and blend them into a cohesive mini-lesson for myself!
Yes, Craig, as I commented above, I believe that their efforts to discourage attention are counterproductive--at least when they are apart from their own people. Personally, I’m not convinced that the particular practices adopted by the Amish are necessary in order to live “in the world but not of it” (as they evidently believe). I also surmise that their lifestyle is a serious hindrance to witnessing to outsiders, who cannot be faulted for considering them just another subculture with their own peculiar attire and appearance (like bikers, punks, goths, hippies, furries, Moonies, Hutterites, FLDS, etc.!). As I mentioned, inward qualities speak louder than dress codes, in my opinion.
I think how we dress does matter because it is a reflection of internal attitudes. If you go to church in whatever wrinkled thing you can pull from your closet, that shows a lack of respect for God and your fellow believers. I'm not arguing for a dress code, but we need to be thinking about what we wear says about what we think about God and our fellow Man.
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