Dressing in Layers

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:12-17 ESV).

It’s that time of the year when I receive a lot of comments and questions about the way I dress. The one that always amuses me is the one that goes, “How many layers do you have on anyway?” It is not that unusual for me to have four or five layers on during the winter. I suppose that is a little difficult for most folks to understand since they rarely need to have that many layers to stay warm in our relatively moderate climate. However, for me, that’s the only way to stay comfortably warm while others around me stay comfortable too. I could reset the thermostat for higher heat, but most everyone else would melt! So, turtlenecks and sweaters are a common part of my daily dress during the winter.

My closet reflects the different seasons. The same is true in a spiritual sense also. God has given us different types of clothing. There is clothing appropriate for living, and that which we need for war. Actually, it is a layered look we have with our heavenly wardrobe, for we need both kinds of clothing to live our lives as God has planned for us to do. The battle wardrobe is used to fight spiritual warfare, for we are always in an unseen struggle with Satan. God told us to put on the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, and shoes of peace. We must also carry the sword of the spirit and the shield of faith. These items will keep Satan at bay as he tries to invade our thoughts and lives. He also tells us in our reading this morning that we should put on tenderhearted mercies and kindness to others. We must wear gentleness, forgiveness and humbleness. Now, each morning when I mentally put on my armor from God, I need to remember the second layer of clothing God wants me to put on. This is the one that that will radiate Christ's love through me.

It’s the layered look for the Christian. Are you dressing in those layers of love and forgiveness? Change your clothes today! Start the new season in Christ’s love and compassion toward others. It will make you warm inside!