Wardrobe: Jesus Style

Genesis 3:21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

There are some mornings I wish I were Superman. I don't covet all his powers - just the one where he goes into a phone booth and instantaneously changes his entire outfit in a matter of seconds. My process of getting clad is a bit more arduous.

The initial steps include selecting my outfit and laying it out on my bed. I've been known to lay my complete ensemble, including jewelry down for viewing prior to dressing. Once satisfied, I move on to the actual adorning. Undergarments are followed by tanks, camis, shirts, sweaters, skirts and jeans. Then the great debate arises. Should I put on both socks and then both shoes? Or should I streamline with one sock and one shoe followed by the other sock and shoe? I am momentarily stalled but press through to the "frosting".

Frosting is my favorite stage. I grab my scarf, earrings, rings, bracelets, watch and necklace and plan to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. These final details make my outfit complete and I'm ready to take my day by storm.

This morning I am reading the third chapter of Colossians. In this passage, Paul outlines the practical ways I can "dress" as a Christian in my every day life. He describes the undergarments of godly character. These are qualities that resemble Jesus best developed by spending time with Him. There is also outergarments. The way I relate to others - my husband, children, friends and family - is the observable outcome of the time I spend with God.

After Adam and Eve sinned, they became painfully aware that they were naked. They attempted to cover themselves with leaves but their concealment was inadequate. God Himself had to fashion the first true garments (Genesis 3:21). I have a lot in common with Adam and Eve. They are after all my original kin. I often attempt to cloak myself. I dress myself in perfectionism, meeting expectations and people pleasing. My attempts fail. I instead need to allow Jesus to be my daily dressing.

"As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which bind them all together in perfect unity." (Verses 12-14) I may not actually be Superman, who keeps Metropolis safe by warding off all manner of villains. I am, however, God's warrior princess, fighting for my home, family and community. My superhero cape isn't stamped with an diamond "S". It is emblazoned with a cross-shaped "J".

Jesus, thank you for dressing me this morning. Help me remember that just as I put on one garment at a time, You work on me one quality at a time. Today I will remember that You are far more considered with my undergarments - love, compassion, forgiveness and humility than the frosting. When I allow you to change my undergarments, my outergarments will follow. Thank you for helping me realize that the most important part of my daily outfit is adorned long before I dress for the day. That wardrobe awaits next to a tall glass of orange juice.