Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your
lives. Teach and counsel each other with
all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And
whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving
thanks through him to God the Father. Colossians 3:16-18 (NLT)
This week we have thought about Paul’s list of those
characteristics with which a well-dressed follower of Jesus Christ gets dressed
every day – peace, thankfulness and gratitude, love – all part of a Christ-like
character.
This morning we connect the dots of that string of
character traits.
Paul said we should let the Word of Christ fill
us. The KJV says Christ’s word should dwell
in us richly; the picture is that of setting up residence. This means we should allow the Word of God
free reign in addressing every aspect of the way we live our lives.
Bible study is so important – the Bible is the Owner’s
Manual of human existence.
Having that Word “dwell richly” is to take it in,
study, meditate on it and then put it into practice in our lives. The Psalmist put it this way
Thy word have I hid in mine
heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Psalm 119:11 (KJV)
Now, those are the foundational garments, love, peace,
gratitude and wisdom. Those are the
transformational basic characteristics of the Christian life. When you have those they will create the…
The
Outer Garments
The outer garments of life are what others see and
experience. When the inner garments are
love, peace, gratitude and wisdom they will make the outer garments
particularly attractive. What are they?
There is EMPATHY – so you can feel what
your brother feels.
There is HARMONY – so you can strengthen
your brother or sister, while she strengthens you.
There is MINISTRY so you can glorify God
with all of your life.
This is the Christian version of “Dress for
Success”. Success in the world is
measured by how you look; it is “the look” or styles that people see which really
counts – look good at any cost!
The Lord measures success by what He sees on the
inside…the inner garments of character
But
the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his
appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see
them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 (NLT)
For You Today
What does the Lord see when he looks at YOUR
heart?
Does he see compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, mercy? Does he see all these foundational garments held together neatly by the character girdle of love?
If so, you’ve chosen to lay aside the world’s rags and
you’re ready for a robe!
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