How do I look?

Today's ODB is titled "God's Work of Art". It talks about us being made in the image of God. Just as how we would want to physically look presentable to others, do we think of how presentable we are spiritually?

I love to wear matching clothings and accessories, bags and shoes. To me, how I dress myself up when I leave the home is important. Of course every girl loves to look pretty, myself included! But more than that, I feel that it is a gesture of basic etiquette to look presentable to other people. Even when in casual wear, it's important to still be presentable. For example, would you wear an old and tattered piece of t-shirt with a shorts that's almost falling off your bottoms, with shoes that the soles are almost coming off, to orchard road? I don't think so...Most people would know what's appropriate to wear for whatever occassions.

But how often do we think about how we "dress up" the way we talk, think and behave towards others? Do we "wear" the right attitudes and actions when we deal with other people? Especially us Christians, do we "put on love" in our daily interactions with other people? Do we put on Jesus so that others can see Jesus in us? In the passage below, the bible gives us clear instructions on what to and what not to "wear"...

Colossians 3:8-17

What we shouldn't be "wearing":
8But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

What we should "wear":
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

How to make sure we always "wear" what is right:
15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Thank God for this lesson! Now, whenever I dress up, I'll try to remember that dressing up does not merely pertain to physical, but spiritual as well.

Lord may You always help me to also "dress up" appropriately and put on love. May each time I look at the mirror be a time of reminder to always "put on" the likeness of Christ in my life. Amen!