There are a great many ideas of how a Christian should be in this world; some say argumentative and forthright, some say one should be loudly pronouncing judgement on the sins of others, some say a Christian should be focused on the material goods of this world (that is, after all, what the Prosperity gospel teaches) and some water down Christianity until you can no longer see any semblance of truth in it. There are flashy Christians, and quiet ones, worldly Christians striving to be "relevant" to modern culture, and those who use Christ's name to inflict great damage upon others. How is a Christian to act and appear to others?
I was reading the following verse today, which sums up in what virtues a Christian should be attired;
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." Colossians 3:12
In the use of the word "clothe" the Bible tells us to wear these virtues over our own natures; to assume them as our own, and present them to the world. Just as we dress in suits and gowns for formal occasions in our society, or sports gear when out playing our athletic game of choice, there is also an appropriate way for Christians to spiritually clothe themselves. Not with anger and hate, not with scorn and dismissal, not with glitzy modern theological trends, and not with what the world deems fashionable.
As Christ's ambassadors, we should be able to be spotted from afar by our gentle natures, our compassion for others, our kindness, humility, gentleness and patience to those we encounter. These virtues are not the easiest to cultivate and maintain; thankfully when we become Christians we are made into new creatures, and Christ works through us so that His nature will transplant our own fallen one. We do slip up and let our own natures come out at times, and then we must repent and strive again to show Christ's nature through us, instead of our own.
What spiritual clothing will you put on? God, who loves us dearly (as the verse above notes) desires us to be a holy people, and to put on those virtues. When we speak the Word of God, let us do so with authority based in love of God and of neighbor. When we confront sin, let us always humbly remember our own sin, which is ever before us. Let us lift up others who may be struggling, fallen away or of opposing views with prayer; asking God to break our hearts for all those He loves. The famous preacher Tozer said, in paraphrase, that it was his conviction he had no right to preach to people he hadn't prayer for first. Christians should have that mindset; to pray first always, speak with love, humility and patience. To be gentle in a world that values strength, to be humble in a world that desires pride, to be compassionate in a world that is becoming heartless. Deny your own nature and take on the nature of Christ.
God's grace be with you,
Fr. Charles Butler
Fr. Charles Butler
(As shared on In the Spirit with Fr. Charles Butler)
