The Well-Dressed Christian Woman

by Joyce Averils

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it" (Colossians 3:12-14, The Message).

For the past couple of weeks I've received several spring fashion catalogues in the mail. I'm pretty sure you may have received some too. The women are "decked out" from head to toe with color-coordinated accessories. The goal of these catalogues is to encourage you think about how you might look in the advertised fashions so that you will go out and buy them.

I like to shop just as much as the next woman. However, I'm careful to remind myself that while looking my best, I must not forget to make sure that I'm well-dressed spiritually too. Clothes may wear out, go out of style or no longer fit, but a beautiful spirit will last for eternity.

Some women have personal shoppers and stylists to assist them with looking their best. As a Christian, you have access to the ultimate stylist. Colossians 3:12 says that God has already picked out a wardrobe for you. You should dress in:

Compassion
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32).

Kindness
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23).

Humility
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2)

Quiet Strength/Gentleness
" Let your gentleness be evident to all" (Philippians 4:5)

Discipline/Patience/Long Suffering
"A man\'s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense" (Proverbs 19:11).

Your Heavenly Father is so awesome that He even provides you with an all-purpose garment even better than your "little black dress." The Christian woman's basic, all-purpose garment is love. No matter what else you put on, Colossians 3:1 says to wear love and you will always be one of the best dressed women in the room.

Love
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a).

My Challenge to You: As you pack away your winter clothing and replace them with your spring and summer outfits, take a look at your spiritual wardrobe. Are you wearing the wardrobe God picked out for you? Is there anything that needs to be replaced? Does your all purpose garment need a little spring cleaning? Remind yourself daily that you can be a well-dressed Christian woman.

Questions: How can we keep our focus on cultivating inner beauty? Which virtue will you go out of your way to clothe yourself with this weekend?