For some reason I haven’t quite figured out yet, I still get some fashion catalogues in the mail. I’m surprised by this because I pretty much do all my shopping online. But those catalogues keep coming.
Whenever I’ve flipped through a few of them, I saw women “decked out” from head to toe with color- coordinated accessories. The goal of these catalogues is to encourage us to think about how we might look in the advertised fashions so that we will go out and buy them or order them online.
I like to shop just as much as the next woman. However, I’m careful to remind myself that while looking my best, I must not forget to make sure that I’m well-dressed spiritually too. Clothes may wear out, go out of style or no longer fit, but a beautiful spirit will last for eternity.
Some women have personal shoppers and stylists to assist them with looking their best. As a Christian, you have access to the ultimate stylist. Colossians 3:12 says that God has already picked out a wardrobe for you. He’s even supplied you with the Holy Spirit who will help you. John 14:26 says “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things. . .” Listen to His guidance as He teaches you how to dress in:
Compassion
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)
Look for ways today where you can offer tenderness to someone on your pathway that you might have otherwise hurried past.
Kindness
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Surprise someone today with one random act of kindness in some unexpected way.
Humility
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)
One of the best ways to be humble is by being of service to others. Decide today to cultivate a servant’s heart and look for opportunities to meet the needs of others.
Quiet Strength/Gentleness
Let your gentleness be evident to all. (Philippians 4:5)
Have you ever noticed how people will sometimes hear a person speaking in a soft voice and ignore someone who is yelling? This is an example of quiet strength and gentleness at work. Look for ways today that you can be quietly strong and gentle at the same time.
Discipline/Patience/Long Suffering
A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)
Sometimes, we may get caught up in demanding “our rights.” However, as Christians, Jesus calls us to a higher standard. The next time you’re slighted or overlooked, ignore the offense and say a prayer for the offending party.
Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self- seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
Your Heavenly Father is so awesome that He even provides you with an all-purpose garment even better than your “little black dress.” The Christian woman’s basic, all-purpose garment is love. No matter what else you put on, Colossians 3:1 says to wear love, and you will always be one of the best dressed women in the room.
Take a look at your spiritual wardrobe. Are you wearing the wardrobe God picked out for you? Is there anything that needs to be replaced? Does your all-purpose garment need a little spring cleaning? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and the desire today to model the wardrobe He provides to all His children.
