Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:12-14 (NLT)
It has long been said that ‘clothes maketh the man’. Or, ‘you are what you wear’. We have even coined the phrase ‘dress to impress’. Experts have studied the intriguing science behind fashion psychology. Apparently nine out of ten women own at least one item of clothing they have never worn. Patients put more trust in a doctor who wears a white coat. The human eye takes longer to travel across patterned fabrics; this make the body appear larger. After trying on clothing men are more than twice as likely as women to buy. Men are more likely to approach a woman for a date if she is wearing the colour red.
It’s common knowledge that clothes have a strong influence over the way other people perceive us. Our style and the clothes we choose also reflect and affect our mood and overall confidence. Scientists call this phenomenon ‘enclothed cognition’. Paul talked about how to dress in the wardrobe God picked out for us.
You’re done with that old life. It’s like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you’ve stripped off and put in the fire. Now you’re dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete. … So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offence. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Neve be without it. Colossians 3:9-10, 12-14 (MSG)
God has picked out some articles of clothing that He believes are essential for every believer. Are there any items which we are not wearing? We might regularly wear the shirt of compassion, and shoes of kindness, but perhaps leave the jacket of discipline on the hanger. Kindness, humility, quiet strength and discipline never go out of fashion. Forgiveness looks great no matter what season we are in. The best part is that these clothes, unlike the ones you buy at stores, will never go out of style.
There is one all-purpose garment which God states we are never to be without. Love is the one piece of clothing we need to be wearing at all times – no matter the season, predicted weather forecast or agenda of our day. Love is the garment that coordinates and pulls the outfit together.
Have you ever seen the red carpet interviews where they ask the celebrities the question, “Who are you wearing?” They usually name some famous clothing designer, but today I would like to ask you the same question. “Who are you wearing?” The Book of Romans tells us:
… put on the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14 (ESV)
The fact that Jesus is alive in us should be visible to everyone! Dress in the wardrobe God has picked out for you and reflect the beautiful qualities of Christ to the world.