Focal passage: Colossians 3:1-17
In 2010, I went to my senior prom. I spent the morning and early afternoon preparing for the event that night. I got my hair and nails done. I put on makeup and jewelry. All of these helped build the anticipated for the most exciting part of the day – putting on the dress. Like every other young lady preparing for prom that night, I spent months searching for the perfect dress to wear. I agonized over what color it should be, how much sparkle it should have and what kind of neckline I wanted. I was so particular that I ended up having my dress made to fit my specificities! Not one did I think of showing up to prom in my old, regular clothes. They didn’t come close to fitting the occasion.
When we come to Christ, we need clothes that fit the occasion. No longer do we wear the garments of our old selves, but we are outfitted in the garments for for holiness. Though we were once clothed in rags of sin – anger, lust, greed and much more – we now put on the things of Christ. Our new “clothes” are evidence of the change that Jesus has made in our hearts. When we wear compassion, kindness, humility and gentleness, we demonstrate to others that we belong to Jesus.
How do we put on our new clothes? By seeking Jesus. As we believe the gospel, we are changed from the inside. Jesus is the only one who has the power to change our hearts. His spirit teaches us how to dress our new selves as we believe and are led by Him. As we dwell on God’s word and spend time with other believers, we experience the power of the gospel lived wholly and practically.
Because our old selves have died and have been buried, we must get rid of what belonged to the old self. We seek what is above. We seek the things of God. Instead of seeking to please ourselves, we now live to God and for God. Such a new life requires new clothes! We have been raised with Christ to new life. We now get to dress for the occasion!