Dressing Up For Jesus

Today's readings: Psalms 99; 150; Kings 3:5-14; Colossians 3:12-17; John 6:41-47

“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

But where did you get the bootstraps?

Today's readings: Ps 98, 146; Jer 32:16-25; Rom. 12:1-21; Luke 8:1-15

Have you ever made a promise to God? Many of us have, often in the context of a negotiation: “Dear God, if you only grant [fill in the blank]… I promise to never/always [fill in the second blank].” Are we able to keep such promises? Sometimes, but not always. In retrospect, we may realize we were foolish to make them in the first place. God knows we can be weak when it comes to keeping promises or holding up our end of a deal.

In today’s reading, Jeremiah tells the story of how the Israelites lost the land given to them by God when they forgot God and lived sinfully – in other words, when they didn’t hold up their end of the deal. The nature of this story is so timeless as to be clichéd. How often do we hear about “self-made” athletes, entertainers or politicians who achieve success, only to forget their humble beginnings? And how often do these stories end with a fall from grace when the successful lose perspective? How frequently have we pleaded with God to deliver us – only to insist on our own way once things improve? When times are good do we, like the Israelites, forget the God who provides for us and return to the old ways that caused us trouble in the first place? When it’s no longer convenient, do we neglect our responsibilities to follow our own desires?

In Romans, Paul warns us not to overestimate our own wisdom (12:16). He is speaking about comparing ourselves to others, but it is good advice in many situations. When times are good, let’s not be so foolish as to think we have earned something others have not, and when times are bad let’s not rely solely on our own resources to get out of trouble. We learn from the Israelites that such attitudes can turn good situations to bad, and bad to worse. Our efforts count, but not for everything.

Promises do not help us convince God to act one way or another, and failing to meet promises – even with the best intentions – damages our character. Relying on promises is a way of telling God what to do – of relying on our own wisdom. Instead let’s seek God’s will in all circumstances, and live as if we’ve promised to make our lives a holy and living sacrifice (Rom 12:1).

Comfort: We have greater resources than our own thoughts.

Challenge: Meditate on promises you have kept… and broken.

Prayer: Loving God, thank you for being constant when I am not.

Evening readings: Ps 66, 116

Discussion question: When have you succeeded or failed in doing your part? How did it affect your sense of self? (please comment)