Strict Dress Code

Monday   12-07-15  Home in Modesto 

Scripture reading:    Col 1 - 4

S=Scripture  O=Observation  A=Application  P=Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S.  Col 3:12-14  Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.  And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.  NLT

O.  The Apostle Paul is setting up a strict “dress code” for all Christians.  It must be the first thing you notice when you see a Christian.  It is what we wear, the visible, tangible part of our Christianity.

A.  When I was a small child my parents were part of a church that enforced a strict dress code.  They would actually pride themselves in that you could identify one of their ladies as she walked down the street.  Her hair was long and tied in a neat, tight bun behind the head.  She wore long sleeves and a high neck year round, long skirts and black stockings that were only seen at the ankles... and  “high-button-shoes” that rose to the ankles.  For some reason the rules were all for the ladies.  All this was destined to fade out in time, but the Apostle Paul’s dress code described in Colossians was good for both men and women and would not disappear with time. 

P.  Lord, here is my Christmas list: I need a new wardrobe.  I’ve noticed some serious fading and holes in my old stuff.   Now I’ve got to dress-up for the Christmas celebration and the New Year.  I could use some under-garments of tenderhearted mercy and warm kindness and a sweater of humility plus a sharp looking sport jacket of gentleness and patience.  And don’t forget the “coveralls” of love and forgiveness that I have to wear to work.   Amen.     

Ralph