Dress Code
What shall I wear today? That is a thought that crosses our mind as be begin each day. Are there any dress codes? Is it cold outside? Am I going to get dirty? Obviously, a decision will be made depending on the task or job you are getting ready to encounter. Regardless of your situation, what you wear matters.
If you think about it, as you dressed today you made a choice, intentional or not, that will communicate a message. No matter what you decided to pull out of the drawer or closet, it can define who you are. Whether you are conservative, have cultural parameters, or just don’t care what people think of your attire… your “dress code” is a message that will reveal your identity.
Spiritual Dress Code
The same is true of our spiritual dress code. Paul reminds us through his letter to the Colossians, that as God’s people, we are asked to clothe ourselves appropriately. He encourages us to wear compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love (Colossians 3:12). As a Christian, deliberate or not, these virtues should be identifiable by someone when they look at you. That’s why when you look in your Christian closet, you will see that it is full of attire we are asked to wear.
So, if you get dressed in too big of a hurry and find you put on your old self, you must go back to the closet and find your new self to put on (Ephesians 4:22-24). While you are there, hanging front and center you will also find the clothing for humility (1 Peter 5:5). And no matter what your vocation, before you leave the house you are to clothe yourself with the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). How you choose to represent yourself by the spiritual clothing you wear will characterize your “dress code.” A choice to define yourself by what you put on each day that will represent Christ through you.
Clothe Yourself With Jesus
But as we all know, our clothing can get tattered and worn. We find that we are quick to anger and not so quick to forgive at times. Our outfit that displays humility, gentleness, and patience gets soiled. We must therefore stop in our tracks and ask… Can people see Christ woven into the fabric of my life? Do I resemble the teen halted at the door by their mom saying, “You can’t wear that to school”? Through faith, God gives us all the attire and direction we need for His dress code. We just need to remember who we belong to and not go about our day in constant casual Friday mode.
Now, as you dress each morning, also consider your spiritual attire. Don’t dress to fit into the world (Romans 12:2). Or try to clothe yourself like those who do not follow Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:14). Instead, clothe yourself with Christ (Romans 13:14). For through Him is the dress code that will display an eternal message.
Dear Lord, clothe me in Your righteousness and empower me to share Your love with others today. May people see You through my life and through the clothes that I choose to wear. Amen.
Colossians 3:12
Ephesians 4:22-24
1 Peter 5:5
Ephesians 6:10-18
Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 6:14
Romans 13:14
— Phil
If you like, check out these Daily Devotions
Today’s Scripture
Colossians 3:12
Put On the New Self
12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
Ephesians 4:22-24
The New Life
22 to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
1 Peter 5:5
Shepherd the Flock of God
5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Ephesians 6:10-18
The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Romans 12:2
A Living Sacrifice
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
2 Corinthians 6:14
The Temple of the Living God
14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Romans 13:14
Fulfilling the Law Through Love
14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.