Clothed!

Clothed!

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]. Colossians 3:12 AMPC

The Inspiration:

There is a popular saying: "You are addressed the way you are dressed". There ls also another truth in the fact that the way a person is dressed reveals a lot about the person's country of orign. These points mean that it is quite important to watch what you put on, as it reveals a lot about your character, person, origin and destination. There are rules of engagement for every facet of life. Even small equipment such as a table clock has an operating manual. You don't make anything and then leave out instructions on how to get the best out of that thing. If this is true of the physical, then note that it is equally true for the spiritual. There is a particular dressing that fits a particular kind of office role, and I will do well to also consider what God's recommendation for serving in His house is. God has invested a lot in His house, and He will demand that anyone seeking to serve at His altar know what these demands are. 

The Contention:

Aaron the priest under the Old testament had recommended dress for service at the altar. In fact, God laid out every piece of Aaron's priestly garments. Any departure from the laid down rules led to death. In the same way, as we come to God in total surrender, He invites us to come to Him and serve. As the verse above makes clear, the demand is placed on those who know they are God's chosen people. It may sound odd, but the demand is not placed on everybody. Yes, God's will is that all men come to the saving knowledge of Jesus, but we will not all come to Him at the same time. If I come, I must note that He will wash me clean from sin, and impute to me His own righteousness; I am purified, holy and loved by God. It is a call into a new purpose, with new priorities and pursuits. God will play His part by providing the parts, but it is my sole responsibility to put them on, and then go out and do the work required of me. Do I know God at all, and what he demands of me?

The Conclusion:

The dressing must reflect ownership, direction and impact. I must look like the One I claim to represent. When men see, hear or come in contact with me, the proof of identity and citizenship must be evident. I cannot be on a journey to heaven, and be found with the baggage associated with the old way of life. I cannot play both sides at the same time, or sit on the fence of indifference. What I need to be and do have been laid out quite clearly in the verse above, and the best use of my life is the discovery, pursuit and fulfilment of that purpose. If you check out some of the words used to describe my dressing, you find words like "mercy', 'kind', 'gentle', 'patience'. These are attributes that also describe God, and must be seen in those who claim to follow God. Am I dressed for service in God's kingdom or do I need to change what I am wearing right now? Heaven has a dress code, and access is based on being fitted right. God's time of favour is here.