5 Wardrobe Essentials Every CHRISTIAN WOMAN Should Possess

In the world of fashion it has been said a wardrobe is only as great as the sum of its parts. We are encouraged to invest in classic, versatile pieces so that our clothing collection will last us a lifetime. Where to begin? From a classic trench coat to the perfect pair of jeans, these essentials will be a foundation to your wardrobe.

Are you getting dressed spiritually every day? Are you getting dressed every morning with your Lord Jesus Christ? In Romans 13:14, Paul urges his new Christians to "put on" Christian virtues as they would "put on" their clothes.  I recently wrote a post on the Armor of God. Have you started being faithful putting the Armor of God on you and your family?

The book of Colossians teaches us about clothing ourselves daily. Before we get dress there are some things we need to do.  In Colossians 3:5-14 we are instructed what we need to put off before we can put on the new.  It reminds me that we have to clean out our closets before purchasing new items.

"You must put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as sexual immorality, indecency, lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). 6 Because of such things God's anger will come upon those who do not obey him.[a] 7 At one time you yourselves used to live according to such desires, when your life was dominated by them.

8 But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. 9 Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits 10 and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to bring you to a full knowledge of himself. 11 As a result, there is no longer any distinction between Gentiles and Jews, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarians, savages, slaves, and free, but Christ is all, Christ is in all.

12 You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. 14 And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity. " Colossians 3:5-14 Good News Translation (GNT)

Through this entire section the apostle has written in terms of putting off and putting on clothes. As God's chosen people we ought to put on daily these qualities that reflect the character of Jesus. Each of these terms could be used of him. So when you get up, start out by putting on these qualities of grace.

What are the essential pieces we should be clothed in as Christian women?

The Apostle Paul said we’re to “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” So how do we clothe ourselves in these exquisite garments?

“Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” Romans 13:14

He has chosen us to be part of his family so we are to clothe ourselves, not put these things on our old self but now with the help of the Holy Spirit, with these new forms of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Compassion is genuine concern for the feelings of others. We can comfort because we have been comforted. (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Kindness is the desire for another’s good; care and consideration for others; being concerned with the happiness of others; having a sweet disposition.

Humility is not something to be proud of. It is a lowly attitude toward God. When we see God in the right way, we will see ourselves in the right way.

Gentleness is meekness, having a lowly attitude toward others; having consideration for the rights and feelings of others; willingness to make concessions. It is not a weakness but a Christian courtesy. Gentleness is the opposite of rebellion, arrogance, self-assertiveness or violence.

Patience is longsuffering, forbearance, steadfastness. It has the idea of bearing injury or insult with the refusal to retaliate – definitely in contrast to the natural reaction.

If you’ve taken the challenge to put off the old, there’s no better way to accomplish those goals than by “dressing” for success. After all, no one puts on a formal dress outfit over old work clothes that are stained from the messiness of life. Clothe yourselves with the virtues that reflect God’s best in you. And put on love today. Like the belt of truth and integrity, let love hold everything together.

Putting on Jesus Christ means to allow Him to cover us, so that when others see us they see only His righteousness. Jesus Christ not only lives in us, through us, but on us as well. When we choose to live like this, we will not feed our fleshly sinful nature, but will feed a soul who is striving to be more like Jesus Christ every day.
 

Stay Blessed!

Fran