What kind of clothes are we wearing? (not your clothes, but your CLOTHES)
I am keenly aware that it is becoming more and more difficult to tell the Christ-followers in our society from the non Christ-followers. I grew up in a denomination where how you dressed and wore your hair was indicative of what church you attended. I discovered, later in life, those outer accoutrements were not, in fact, indicative of what was in a person’s heart. (I’d rather see how you live, than hear what you believe.)
However, every day I am amazed at the rhetoric and verbiage I hear coming from the lips of those who profess to follow Christ.
If you’re reading the One Year Bible, then you’re aware that this week, we are tracking through the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Colossians. Monday’s text included the following passage:
“Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you just clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You must make allowances for each other’s faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:12-15
Okay, admittedly, that passage is power-packed.
First, we have to recognize that “how we be” in this world is our clothing and our clothing is something that people see. (not your clothes, but your CLOTHES) It is something that is easily visible to others. Paul exhorts us to wear a certain kind of clothing. In other words, behave in a way that is easily recognizable.
And what are those things that we as Christ-followers should readily and easily exhibit?
Tender mercy.
Kindness.
Humility.
Gentleness.
Patience.
Love.
Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness offered/given to someone who does not deserve it.
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.
Humility is defined as a modest or low view of one’s own importance.
Gentleness is defined as the quality of being kind, tender and mild-mannered.
Patience is defined as the quality or capacity to accept or tolerate delay without becoming angry or upset.
Love is defined as putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own. (note, Paul states that this is the most important characteristic)
I told you this passage was power-packed. Right?
As a follower of Christ, I am expected to exhibit these characteristics in such a way that they are easily identifiable. (these are the clothes I am to wear) Recently, I heard someone defending a well known politician who claims to be a Christ-follower. Their defense of this person’s actions, which were not very Christ-like, was that you might have to “dig a little deeper” to see that they are Christ-follower. Okay—it’s not my position or call to judge someone else. It is not my job to determine whether they have “been forgiven or not.” That is God’s job. BUT—(and it’s a big but)…you will know a tree by the fruit that it bears.
We should not have to dig deep to realize a person is a Christ-follower.
If we are Christ-followers then those around us, even those who are strangers to us; yes, even those who encounter us on the drive to work or in the grocery store, should easily recognize that we are bearers of the characteristics of Christ. The garments in which we clothe ourselves should be easily identifiable.
In addition to the hopefully easily identifiable characteristics above, Paul exhorts us to forgive the person who OFFENDS us. (We are compelled to extend forgiveness as we ourselves have been given or experienced forgiveness.) Another place in scripture says that we receive forgiveness as we extend forgiveness. That one can certainly be a kick in the rear-end—’cause I don’t readily extend forgiveness. Forgiveness becomes a way of life.
There was much talk this week about Brandt Jean extending forgiveness to Amber Guyger, the woman who killed his brother. It was rightfully an “act of Grace.” Living in the unforced rhythm of grace becomes a way of life for those who are Christ-followers. We don’t do it to attract attention to ourselves; we do it because extending grace imbibes us with grace and in doing so, mercy and patience and humility and tenderness and gentleness are natural dispositions. (side note: this has something to do with experiencing life abundant)
LOVE is that blanket in which all of these characteristics are wrapped. If we love, as Christ has loved us, then the other characteristics Paul compels us to wear will be an outflow (an easy outflow) of that posture in our lives. Admittedly, some will see that posture as weak. And being weak is not a trait culture is attracted to. But, it is in our weakness that Christ is made strong. And if Christ is made strong in us, then the world (at least the corner where we live) just might be transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Next to last in this text, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to let the Peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Two things to recognize here: Our heart is the core of our being; the seat of our decision making, the center of our existence. In that place let the “peace of Christ” rule. What is the peace of Christ (for those who have heard me share this before, forgive my repetition.) In John 13, the author tells us that Jesus, “knowing where he came from and where he was going” got down, disrobed, put on the clothe of a servant and washed the disciples’ feet. When you know where you come from and where you are going, you can exist in peace.
As Beloved Children of the Divine Creator, we know where we come from and we know where we’re going—especially if we’ve anchored our lives in Christ. Knowing those things, allows us to exist in peace. (Be reminded that last week’s scripture had Christ telling us “not to worry.” I think “not worrying” is a good way to define peace.) So let the fact that your life is hid in Christ; let the fact that you know where you came from and that you know where you’re going; let the fact that God has it all under control give you peace. That is the “peace of Christ.”
Lastly, live in gratitude. (enough said on that, right?)
Again, I told you this text was power-packed. But, being power-packed means it can have transformative qualities for our existence. So, my friends, let’s make sure we wear the “correct clothing”—the kind that is easily recognizable; the kind that identifies us as being Christ-followers.