What a Snappy Dresser
“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:27-28)
I remember an old phrase from my childhood, perhaps from a commercial, that said, “The clothes make the man.” In today’s world, that sounds like such a shallow belief. The statement influenced society to believe that who you are is defined by what you wear. Ironically, the Apostle Paul is making the same statement. The only difference is that while the commercial’s statement spoke to the clothes we wear on our bodies, Paul addressed the clothing we wear on our hearts. Others can see both in our midst.
The commercial recommended that I become a better “man” by purchasing an expensive wool suit, a white shirt with French cuffs, a conservative silk tie, and soft leather wing tips. Christ also has expectations for how we cloth ourselves. We “clothe ourselves with Christ” by considering everyone a “neighbor” or, better yet, a family member. “Jew or Greek” means that nationality and religion no longer separate us. “Slave or free” isn’t just about human ownership. It speaks to any human being believing they are superior to others. Putting on Christ means treating “male and female” as one. Any action that promotes inequality is against the will of God. Misogynistic outlooks and actions grieve God. These are just some ways you “clothe yourselves with Christ.”
Today, think deeply about the way you clothe yourself. Remember, even clothing oneself in Christ is an outward expression. At some level, we choose what to wear to define ourselves to the community around us. How we dress our hearts also has an outward expression. The way we treat others is seen by those around us and by God. If we spent as much time reflecting on how we treat others as the time we reflect on what clothes we will buy and wear, the world would be a much kinder place. Pray that the person you want to be is the person you convey to the world. Then, ask God to dress your heart with compassion, empathy, and love. Expressing love to the world is more impressive and beautiful than the most incredible designer dress or handmade suit. I’d rather wear a Timex clothed in Christ than brandishing a Rolex with a cold, hard heart. Put on a loving heart today!
This devotion was originally published in August of 2017