Dressed for Success

Saturday January 10, 2015

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

Read
Colossians 3:12-15
Therefore, as God´s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Romans 13:12-14
The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.

Question to Ponder
What spiritual "clothing" have you not been wearing lately?
What needs to change so that you can be dressed for success in living for Jesus

**Article taken from ODJ (Our Daily Journey with God) Dec 2014 - Feb 2015 issue