December 28, 2018
Colossians 3:12-17 The Message (MSG)
I had to smile while I was reading our passage this morning, because I just recently had a chat with my friend, John, about the God-chosen garments we are to wear as Christians. That’s right; God is the Tailor for our holy garments. God has made us new inside; we have been born anew from above. Our old outside garments no longer fit us; gossip, immorality, greed, drunkenness, etc. Now he asks us to put on garments that are becoming of this new image; he has picked them out for us. God will be identifying us by our “wedding garments” because we are the Bride waiting for the Bridegroom; we need to be dressed appropriately (Matt. 22:12).
I always pray for practical ways to remember things that are important to God heart. So, as I pray about starting this New Year 2019, every day when I go to my closet to choose clothing for the day, I will think about the spiritual closet of clothing God has fitted just for me. I will make a decision to put on love that translates in tangible deeds of kindness and keep a melody of peace playing in my soul.
Colossians 3:12-17
12-14 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 offense. 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. Never be without it.
15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.
Prayer: Lord, I pray you will never let me forget your Message—Word—and the prominence it is to have in my life. Keep me convicted and disciplined as I seek to allow your Word to instruct and direct me. Dress me in your righteous robes, Lord! In Jesus’ name. Amen.