Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Therefore, 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. Colossians 3:2,5-8,13
TLC has a show entitled What Not to Wear. In this reality tv series family and friends recommend people for total transformation. The concept of the program is to take an individual who has not been able to give up garments that are old and out dated, clothing that leaves them looking unattrative and hiding the person they really are underneath the old garments. Clothing with no appeal, far from style and beauty.
In the book of Colossians Paul writes to the church about taking off, even putting to death garments of vices that Christians should no longer wear. Everything that belongs to our earthly nature that is emnity agaisnt God he instructs us to take it off and get rid of it, putting on clothing or garments that would be more suitable for a believers lifestyle. Paul warns us to get rid of every outfit that makes us unfit and not suitable for the Kingdom of God.
We have become so accustomed to clothing ourselves with our old filthy garments everyday that it is hard to give up this wardrobe of sex, lust, greed, evil desires, anger, rage, cursing, critical attitudes, lying,and coarse humor among believers, that we are no longer upset or convicted about these sins. It amazes me how the church can continue in this way and not feel guilty of their behavior. This is defintely a great example of What Not to Wear.
Paul said to the church take it off, that is your old style, you used to dress like that, you have been give a new make over, wear your new garments of love, gentleness, compassion, kindness, humility and patience, that is what we should wear. Centuries ago, in England, if a pickpocket was convicted, his right hand was cut off, if caught and convicted a second time, his left hand was amputated. One pickpocket lost both hands and continued his trade by using his teeth! That is the sick thing about sin it will infiltrate the whole body, and even if you lose everything its evil, will still find us ways to continue in it. That is why Paul said take it off and kill it never to wear that lifestyle again!
This is so good Pastor. I would have never have thought you could combine a good TV program with a distinguishable logo and use it to explain what Paul was saying to the people. God is good all the time and this is so relevant.
ReplyDeleteAs I was up praying this morning I kept reflecting on this post...I was always fearful of disrobing from my comfortable clothes that I felt fit me just right, because I would feel as though I was left naked and exposed. As I begin to seek Jesus I realize that he is a top designer and that he will give me garments that he tailored just for me...
ReplyDeleteI just mentioned to someone yesterday how I put myself in a position trying to live as the old me. I heard God guide me in another direction but I still chose to do as it pleased me. God's spirit convicted me so that I got out of the situation. But the truth of the matter is I should have never gone in! Thank you Jesus for Grace and Mercy. Although the new me is a constricting fit, the old me is definitely "What Not To Wear".
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