Ready To Go
Colossians 3:12-14 (The Message)
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 offence. 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.
Today I left the house and put on my clothes, a coat, a lanyard, some headphones.
I was ready to be warm and dry.
I was ready to look smart (enough) for work.
I was ready to listen to some music on the journey.
I was ready to be given access to the venue.
What if I had put on the wardrobe of characteristics that God planned for me?
Would I have started this day differently?
I love reminding myself of the aspirations God has for my character. In Ephesians 6:10-18 Paul talks about the ‘Armour of God’ – the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, sword of the spirit, shield of faith, and shoes of good news. In Galatians 5:22-23 he talks about the fruits of the Spirit budding out from inside you, with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
In today’s passage we’re reminded that we have to be active in this process of getting ready for the day ahead. God has picked out a wardrobe for us, but we are still required to choose to put on those clothes.
Take your time today reflecting or praying about whichever of the items in the list stood out to you as you read through that little section from Colossians. For me, choosing to be content with second place feels so counter-cultural and will make any athlete reading this furrow their eyebrows, confused with the concept of settling for anything other than a win. Despite this, being assured in our identity, and loving to others even if we are not the victor, is something that God wants for us.
Prayer – Lord God help me reflect on the characteristics I drape over myself daily – self-promotion, independence, being judgemental. Remind me to take these back to the store, and step out wearing the characteristics you picked out for me.