ODJ: dressed for success

January 10, 2015 

READ: Colossians 3:12-15 

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (v.12).

A few years ago my husband and a friend of his attempted the Three Peaks Challenge—climbing the highest mountains of Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours. This included scaling Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,344 meters. It was sunny at the foot of Ben Nevis as the men, dressed in just T-shirts and shorts, started their ascent. As they approached the summit, however, the weather changed; they hit ice and thick fog and their skimpy clothing simply wasn’t enough. They made it down the mountain, but the challenge was off.

Just as we might listen to the weather forecast before selecting what to wear, so too we should check out the wisdom of God’s Word as we prepare for the day (Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As believers in Jesus, we need to enter our day ‘dressed’ appropriately—putting on mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12). This includes being prepared to allow for the faults of others, forgiving anyone who offends us and remembering God’s forgiveness as we forgive others (v.13).

We should also never leave the house without first putting on love—it’s essential in keeping us connected to the needs around us (v.14). Finally, before we get dragged into the unpredictable frenzy of a new day, we should pause and allow the peace of Christ to rule in our heart as we reflect on how thankful we are for His blessings and provision (v.15).

When we become busy, it can be easy to leave the house dressed spiritually poor. At the start of a new year, let’s become familiar with Jesus and His message so we can be an accurate representation of who He is to others (vv.16-17). —Ruth O’Reilly-Smith

365-day plan› Genesis 18:1-15