Fashion Statement

Alright, so I am going to put it out there that I have a unique sense of fashion. By this I mean that I live 90% of my life in sweatpants and t-shirts. I have never been one to get all dolled up to go to the store, instead I settle for what is comfortable and easy! I have always stood in awe of those who know what matches and what is "in" these days. I just never had that gift- I am your average tomboy, I love being outdoors, watching a football game and chilling with my buddies. From this introduction I hope that you have gathered simply this... I don't really care about how I look. It has actually been quite the hot-topic with my family members, "you're going to wear that?" Well, I guess it's that I have never seen the point in all the work it takes to look "presentable" in the worlds eyes- I mean I am comfortable enough in who I am to wear what I like. I see where they are coming from, I am an adult now I should try to at least look like one (there is the fact that I naturally look like a 16 year old instead of a 21 year old this is something that I have no control over so we can choose to ignore it.) So I am slowly discovering what is appropriate in certain situations to wear, and I have to make a conscience effort each day so that I don't walk into my student teaching wearing my athletic shorts and a hoodie.
I am saying all this to bring us to the "meat" of this post- Colossians 3:12 and 14 gives us some insight on how we should dress ourselves, "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience... above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony."
Now this is exactly what I need, specific directions on what I need to wear in order to be presentable. I think it is a brilliant word choice to use "clothe" in these verses. Not carry, not think about or remember to use- but clothe. Why do you think this is? I can tell you what it made me think of the instant I read it, I thought of the way my family reacts to my wearing sweats to a nice restaurant. People are going to see you- they don't need to have a relationship with you to see what you are wearing. It is something that you chose to represent, something that shouts "THIS IS WHO I AM AND THIS IS WHAT I AM ABOUT," it is a testimony to anyone and everyone that crosses your path.
God is the essence of all of the things that we are called to wear each day: mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love. He is our example and our guide when we lose sight of what these characteristics look like. His word is our cheat sheet- all of the answers are written out for us if we simply take the time to study up on the material. Verse 14 tells us that above all the other accessories that we put on we must clothe ourselves with love. I think that this is an area that I struggle with at times. When I come across a non-believer it is easy to place myself on a pedestal and say "look there at that sinner, they don't see what has been so obviously placed in front of them." In all honesty, I am no different then they are- a natural born sinner, whose sin separates me from my Creator. They are merely lost, as I once was and the solution to showing them the way to Christ is... Ding Ding Ding, you guessed it love. We as Christians, are called to a higher standard. We are required to adjust our lives so that we are "Christ-like" and when we look at the Word we see time and time again that Jesus did not point a finger at the sinful masses around Him and tell them that they are headed straight for hell- instead He showed them love and compassion. He heard their heart cries and He showed them the way to healing. This my friends is our job as well.
I may need help in the fashion department, but I can clearly see who I am to present myself spiritually. It could not have been spelled out any better then it is in Colossians. I pray that this is a simple reminder to you that in the morning, before you pick out what clothes you will be wearing for the day, you will choose to put on a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience and love.
God Bless,
Amy Jo