What's That You're Wearing?

I cleaned out my closet a couple of weeks ago and discovered some fabulous scarves and pashminas that my husband brought home to me from Afghanistan where he was deployed several years ago. The scarves are richly woven silk with silver threads throughout, and i have three different ones in two color combinations of olive green and black, purple and black, and royal blue and black. I love them, and I think they are gorgeous!

As I rediscovered them, I checked my wardrobe for what I have that would match them, and I have an olive green tunic, cute with leggings that would be perfect! I wrapped the pashmina around my throat and secured it with a lovely broach. I felt like a million dollars!

My husband, who, let's be clear, is ultraconservative and lives most days in crisply starched khaki's, muted button-downs, and sports or suit coats and ties, wasn't having it! He didn't like the scarf, thought it was too dramatic and advised I take the thing off. While rolling my eyes at his "fashion police" opinion, I decided I loved it and wore it anyway, promising him I knew more about fashion than he.

Sure enough, in my appointments that day, I got several compliments and, sitting at Panera, a lovely stranger walked up and congratulated me on how I'd dressed, that I looked put-together and beautiful!! AHA! Vindication, husband! 

It's funny, isn't it, that our clothes can alternately boost our confidence exponentially or make us feel like a poor hand-me-down relation with no prospects. Feast or famine, or as the meme says, "I'm either red-carpet ready or a homeless-drug-addict. There is no in between."

Scripture has a lot to say about what we put on. I'm not talking about clothing, but about character. Paul wrote "Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24), or "Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Colossians 3:10)

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:11). "Put on the armor of light." (Romans 13:12) Or, "Therefore, as God's chosen people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness" (Colossians 3:12).

And the ultimate fashion statement: "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh." (Romans 13:14)

If clothing "makes the man," how much more so does "wearing" Jesus make us more like him. If we put Him on, like a cloak or a suit, then He is close to our skin, covering our imperfections, giving us entry to business and enterprises ("No shirt, no shoes!"). And because we look like someone who knows Him, or better yet, we look LIKE him, we have opportunity to introduce Him to others who are naked and afraid, longing for something precious to wear.

How are you putting Him on each day? What's that you are wearing? Take the time to dress carefully so that others can "see your good works, and glorify our Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16)