Various magazines often print issues where they discuss the "best and worst dressed" people. Often, they focus upon movie stars, and other entertainers and what they are or are not wearing in Hollywood. Did you know that God wants His people to be clothed a certain way? He wants us clothed in a certain way not only physically (1 Tim. 2:9-10; 1 Pet. 3:2-4), but spiritually. How can we know who the best dressed people in the sight of God are? The Bible reveals this answer to us. The best dressed people in the church will be:
Clothed With Humility. Peter said, "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (1 Pet. 5:5). Humility ought to be like a covering over us - where all aspects of our lives can be described as humble. In the Old Testament, Solomon taught that humility comes before honor (Prov. 16:18-19)! It is important that we get things in the right order, because destruction will come to those who are not humble (Prov. 15:33; 18:12)! Nebuchadnezzar understood that God is "able to humble... those who walk in pride" (Dan. 4:37). Jesus said, "And whoever exalts himself will be humbled; and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matt. 23:12). Notice what the apostle Peter said will happen if we humble ourselves right now. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that at the proper time he may exalt you" (1 Pet. 5:6). If we humble ourselves in the presence of God now, the exaltation will come. Too many believe that they must exalt themselves in the eyes of men right now. Jesus dealt with those who tried this. He said that they have their reward already (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16). Are you clothed with humility?
Clothed As Described In Colossians 3:12. When the apostle Paul wrote the Colossian Christians, he listed the things that must be put off, and the things to put on. Let us read what he said: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Col. 3:12). Let us take some time to study the characteristics that ought to be a part of each Christian's life. In studying the verse, we see "compassion" as the first characteristic. "Compassion" is a necessary part of our lives and demands that we first have wisdom from above (Jas. 3:17). Next, "kindness" is a necessity in life today. More importantly, it is something we need to add to our faith (2 Pet. 1:7). Third, we know that being "humble" was discussed already, but Colossians 3:12 shows us that humility needs to be put on in order to please God. It will not do for a Christian to be proud or arrogant and trusting in his/her own wisdom (Prov. 3:5-6). Let us show that humility of mind in our words and in our actions. Next, "meekness" is something lacking in the lives of many today. Meekness is, "that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting, closely linked to the word 'humility' and follows directly upon it...." (Vine's, p. 737-738). In other words, meekness is not weakness! It has commonly been defined as "strength under control." God directs our lives, and so we use our strength to faithfully obey His will. In the New Testament, we learn that the fruit of the Spirit includes "meekness" (Gal. 5:23)! This ought to give us some idea of the importance God places upon meekness. Finally, "patience" is something we all need. The Galatians were told that the fruit of the Spirit includes "patience," just as it included meekness. (Gal. 5:22). Knowing that God has always been patient toward us should motivate us to be patient with others (1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 3:9).
Clothed With The Whole Armor Of God. Finally, the apostle Paul teaches us that a necessity for clothing the spiritual man is putting on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:13-17). Without having the protection of God's armor, we are vulnerable to Satan's onslaught (1 Pet. 5:8). Please read these verses and notice that there is no armor for the back! God wants His children to stand strong for the Truth, not backslide during hard times! If Heaven is our goal, we must clothe ourselves with the whole armor of God Almighty!
Conclusion. Clothing our spiritual life with these qualities will produce the best dressed people in the church! How are you dressed?
- The Old Paths, 8/31/14