RENEWED! A Spiritual Wardrobe

Forget resolutions. They are so temporary. Trust me, I’ve been trying for months to reduce – me, my closet, my spending, my clutter, when what I needed was a renewal. Have you felt that way – two steps forward and four back? Just wanting a fresh start and the power to make it last?

 

Instead of relying on promises to yourself, you’ve decided to rely on God’s promises to you! I especially enjoy the The Message translation:

 

Deut. 26:17 You’ve renewed your vows today that God is your God, that you’ll live the way he shows you

 

Imagine – a makeover, by God – The Original Designer!

 

He has the complete plan for you – from the inside out.

 

It will make you shine no matter your hair, skin, weight, or circumstance of life. Check out your new inner wardrobe:

 

Col. 3:12 So, chosen by God for this new life of love,

dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you:

compassion,

(understanding others are where you have been or where you were headed)

kindness,

(re-living God reaching out to you when you did not deserve it)

humility,

(astonished that our holy God considers you a treasure)

quiet strength,

(secretly celebrating the promise that God is with you and will never leave you)

discipline.

(activating God’s promises to let them lead/correct/instruct/light my path)

 

Col. 3:13

Be even-tempered,

(running to God first so you respond with His love instead of reacting with your feelings)

content with second place,

(satisfied to know you have first place in Christ’s heart)

quick to forgive an offense.

(making the choice not to accept and nurse the offense, but to refuse/deflect it, and give it to God to resolve)

Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.

(Putting it in the Father’s hands for only He can completely and justly deal with it anyway)

Col. 3:14 And regardless of what else you put on, wear love.

(and all day long, practice the presence of Christ, letting HIM be seen in you)

 

LOVE

It’s your basic, all-purpose garment.

 

Never be without it.