Halloween Costumes

 

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).

 

We no longer get very many “trick or treaters.” Since we live at the back of the property the children usually stop at the main house and never venture to ours. I do remember living in Weatherford, Texas some years ago and we would give away pounds of candy to costumed children. Sometimes they would arrive by the van-full. It was always a delight to see how they were dressed. There were ghosts and goblins, witches and vampires, super heroes, and princesses galore. It was delightful time seeing the smiles when I dropped candy into their bags and baskets.

 

There are other times when we dress in a “costume.” Sometimes what you wear ­allows other people to see what you value and what your character is like. If you go to a sports game, you will be surrounded by a sea of team jerseys. When pictures of Prince Harry and Meghan of England first appeared in public, the apparel she wore was sold out in minutes. I suppose the buyers wanted to have that “look.”

 

Our reading today talks about a different kind of clothing to wear all year round. We are encouraged to dress in a way that shows what we value and who we are. We are reminded to put off things that are sinful, demeaning, and hurtful, such as malice, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. Then we are urged to put on a new set of clothes: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We also add love, “which binds them all together in perfect unity.” In other words, that makes our outfits perfectly coordinated! All of these articles were “worn” perfectly by Jesus Christ; as his followers, we model our lives after him.

 

Watch what you wear… make sure it fits who you are in Christ!