“The clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society.”
- Mark Twain
As Christians we try not to judge others by appearances, but like it or not appearances matter. Even if we are not judging, we are being judged. Should we care? Not if we are judged for having the wrong handbag or shoes, but we should be concerned if we appear to lack the traits that mark a Christian.
If someone claims to be a professional mountain climber, yet lacks all the basic equipment, that person appears to be delusional or a liar. If we claim to have Jesus in our hearts yet our lives show no outward signs, we will be judged. While there’s nothing wrong with a Jesus fish on your bumper, a scripture quote in your email signature, or a t-shirt declaring you have been saved, these things don’t really show people you are following Christ any more than a subscription to Popular Science tells people you deserve a Nobel prize in physics.
Paul tells us what Christian garments look like: compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love (Col 3:12,14). “Dressing for success” in God’s kingdom – unlike the workplace, social club or evening of speed dating – is not about promoting ourselves, but about promoting others. Whether we are wearing designer fashions or ragged hand-me-downs, our spiritual garments shine through. If we are spiritually “naked,” no John 3:16 coffee mug or collection of Sunday bulletins is going to convince someone otherwise.
Our spiritual appearance does affect society. It tells both individuals and the world whether they should expect Christians to be hypocrites or authentic followers of Christ. If we claim a salvation that frees us from guilt but does not otherwise transform us, the world soon sees the emperor has no clothes. The garment that says the most about us is not the one that makes us seem respectable or pious, but the one we give to someone in need.
Evening readings: Psalms 96; 110
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