July 21, 2016

The dress code for Jesus followers has changed over the years. Original Christ followers wore robes and sandals just as He did. But if Jesus followers of 2016 were to dress like that it would be weird.

When I first started following Jesus the prevailing style was long-sleeved blouses and ankle-length skirts for ladies and long sleeved white shirts with skinny black neckties and black slacks. That's how serious believers dressed.

Shortly thereafter came a period of revival that reached all the way into the counter culture of the day giving birth to the "Jesus People" movement. Their dress of choice was often bell bottomed jeans, a t-shirt and either sandals or boots.

Not long after that came the advent of the double-knit leisure suit complemented by polyester wide collared shirts. Of course, you had to have a wide white belt to hitch up your trousers and platform shoes to compete your stylish statement.

Three piece suits became popular for awhile which meant a jacket with wide lapels, matching slacks and a vest. Match that with a nice dress shirt and wide tie and you were dressed for church or anything else worth going to.

Nowadays you can wear whatever matches your mood at the moment and no one really cares. Few even notice.

The point is the fickleness of the fashion world. Clothing styles change almost as quickly as hairstyles. If you have something that goes out of style store it in the attic because it will likely be stylish again.

But the wardrobe prescribed for Christ-followers in the first century by the Apostle Paul has never gone out of style. Nor will it ever!

Here's why:

"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12

Regardless of what's hanging in your closet or on the racks at Macy's if you are a follower of Christ you MUST choose to clothe yourself EVERY DAY with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Paul dressed that way.

The disciples dressed that way.

All the saints of the ages have clothed themselves that way.

Now all of them are clothed in the Glory of God in their eternal home!

Anyone who claims to be a follower of Christ but refuses or neglects to clothe himself with these Christ-like virtues is either misguided or mistaken.

So, how will you clothe yourself today?