The Well-Dressed Soul

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long suffering, bearing with one another.  If anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you were also called in one body; and be thankful.  Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymn and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17

“Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints- “Ephesians 6:11-18

Most of us wouldn’t consider going out in the cold without some type of protection against the elements, yet daily many of us fail to properly dress for our spiritual journey. Although familiar with the passages about the full armor in Ephesians, it isn’t always our first thought of the day. When an arrow pierces our hearts, we are suddenly made aware of our error, and then quickly scramble to “suit up” for battle.

But what other types of spiritual “clothing” should we put on?

A quick look at Colossians 3 reminds us to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, longsuffering, meekness, and above all, to put on love.

I find it compelling that we are reminded how we should walk in the Spirit. It is a definitive act of consciousness.

Just as I wouldn’t want to go out into the cold without the proper clothing, I should be equally concerned about having a well-dressed soul.

Having determined to live purposefully in the coming year, I must choose daily to dress properly for the journey the Lord has for me. In addition to putting on the full armor each day, I choose to put on the garments of the royal daughter of the King. This Princess Warrior will choose the clothing of grace; tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, and above all love.

I know in doing so, my heart will be protected, and my soul appropriately dressed.

I pray that each of you will find the royal garments in your wardrobe as well.