New Clothes

Most people like getting new clothes. Some folk like looking around the many charity shops and getting things including clothes that they take a fancy to. But usually new clothes are always what they like best.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes about clothes — old clothes and new clothes — as he teaches us about the kind of life we should live as Christian people. Hear what he says about the 'old clothes' first: "You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire." (v7) That refers to all the things we did and said before we came to follow Jesus. "Now" Paul says "You're dressed in a new wardrobe". New clothes! What do they look like? They're beautiful - "Compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength and discipline, and above all, love — which binds everything together". Love - "It's your basic all-purpose garment. Never be without it" (v14) If you read the whole of chapter 3 in Colossians, you get the full picture of what Paul thinks our Christian life should look like especially in our relationships with other people. It is a really lovely picture and a real challenge. Make sure you're wearing God's new clothes!

Prayer

We do thank you, O Lord, for the new life you give us in Jesus Christ. Amen.