Halloween just passed, a time when dressing up in costumes is not just acceptable, but encouraged. Along with the scary costumes, people dress up as their favorite characters and famous people. Some people are expressing the scary theme of Halloween, while others are trying to make a statement. While you can tell a little about a person by the costume they choose, it is not a reliable guide to evaluate character.
God wants us to put on special garments, as well. These garments should be fully representative of who we are. Colossians 3:12 says, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another.” God expects us to put on the garments of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. We do this not because it is commanded, but rather as a result of the great love He has bestowed on us, such that we are called His beloved. We cannot muster up these qualities from within ourselves. Instead we can trust in His Spirit to empower us to reflect His love through us. If compassion and kindness are the clothes people see on us, then it is evident that we are followers of Jesus. If people do not see the garments of humility and meekness when they look at us, then we cannot expect them to see Jesus in us.
Reluctant Retiree 