The Christian’s Dress Code

Don’t worry about food or what you are to wear.
Is life not more precious by far?
Christ clothes you in His image,
and feeds you with His flesh,
and loves you as you are.
Lord, hear me, I am a hungry man.
I’ve had a craving since before the world began.
Where shall I find bread,
that I may eat my fill,
and feed my weakening will.
Lord, I drink and still I thirst for more.
I hear Your living water go rushing past my door.
Give me to drink,
assuage my burning thirst,
and leave my soul immersed.
Lord, I’m a pauper before the throne of God.
I am in tatters, my feet are unshod.
I would have virtue,
to hide my nakedness.
Lord, who will give me dress?
Don’t worry about food or what you are to wear.
Is life not more precious by far?
Christ clothes you in His image,
and feeds you with His flesh,
and loves you as you are.
“Don’t Worry” by the Medical Mission Sisters

Clothes can make a man or woman.

There are actually two meanings to this saying; simply put it means that people are judged based on the clothing that they wear and are treated accordingly. On a deeper level this phrase can be understood to mean that by dressing in a certain manner you can actually shape your behaviour and affect the way you want people to know who you really are.

Is your tie straight?   Are your shoes shined?   Are you matchy-matchy?  Who Cares!

First, who are we?  We are the elect.  Not in the sense we are more important than anyone else, or richer, or smarter.  As the elect we are the chosen of God, faithful to His divine call.  And we should be dressed accordingly.  Not with new threads, or the latest fashions, or finest cloth.  Our dress code is what’s on the inside.  The Character of a New Person.

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV, 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 one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

This is who we are in Christ.

Colossians 3:15-17 NIV, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

This is our character in Christ.

Put on tender mercies – your gut feelings, your compassion.  Put on kindness – be nice to each other.  Put on humility – combat the know-it-alls.  Put on meekness – don’t mistake meekness for weakness.  From meekness you get strength under control.  Put on patience – long-suffering, self-control.  While everyone around is losing their heads, you can remain confident.  Put on forgiveness – God forgave you, now you can forgive others.  Remember when Jesus was on the cross, He said ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do.’  People who do not know Jesus need forgiveness, just as you did before you knew Him.  Put on love –  this is the thread that runs through everything you put on.

The peace of God that rules in your heart comes from Jesus.

Let the Word of God motivate your worship – sing with grace in your heart.  Dwell on His Word.

Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Don’t let yourself be caught in the ‘Emperor’s New Clothes’ exposed to something widely accepted as true or professed as being praiseworthy. 

Make sure you are clothed in the Christian’s Dress Code – put on Christ and His truth will be professed and praiseworthy, giving Him and God the Father all the glory!

 

If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Saviour and would like to get started, may I suggest praying this little prayer, opening up your heart to healing and the love and hope Jesus can give you.