Clothes to Put Off and Clothes to Put On

What we wear often defines who we are – our culture, values, status, our mood, and even who or what we represent. In Colossians 3:12, Paul exhorts God’s chosen and risen people to shed the old garments of fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language, and lies, which represent the kingdom of darkness. He encourages them to put on the clothing of tender mercies, kindness, humility, forgiveness, thankfulness, peace, and love, representing Christ.

When we encounter Christ, there is a remolding, a transformation, a regeneration, and a renewal in our lives that is evident through the godly character we possess. While God has done His part on the cross by clothing us with His salvation and righteousness, we must also do our part. This entails stripping ourselves daily of everything that does not reflect our Savior, our Lord, our Redeemer, our King, our Master, so that the world will recognize that we belong to Jesus, and that we embrace kingdom values with the message of Christ dwelling within us.”