The Fall Fashion of Faith

By Dean Collins

This technique works well in fashion, according to designers, but the same approach does not work when it comes to things more important than looking good. As the calendar page turns to the fall seasons, I noticed a few articles popping up on the art of layering. 

Practically speaking, layering can provide warmth in the fall and winter seasons. And according to the designers, it can also be fashionable, if you are trying to wow anyone with your style. But when it comes to maturing in our faith, layering is a disaster.  According to the apostle Paul, we must have a complete wardrobe change.

Over the centuries, there have been several faith traditions that urge or require clothing that is plain and modest. These traditions suggest that skin exposure, bright colors, jewelry, and so forth shift the focus of the eyes and mind to the flesh and can interfere with keeping one’s focus on God. In America, we might think of the Amish or some Mennonite traditions as an example. 

The dictionary defines modesty as the quality of not being too proud or confident about yourself or your abilities. It follows with a second definition: propriety in dress, speech, and conduct. But things get interesting if you then look at the definition of propriety: the quality or state of being proper or suitable. The definition continues with what is socially acceptable.

I am sure you have noticed that what is socially or culturally acceptable seems to frequently shift. We do often see the pendulum effect in fashion and in what is acceptable in one’s behavior, as well. It seems that what is socially and culturally acceptable eventually shifts to "whatever works for you."

In Colossians 3, Paul gives us several things to not only think about, but to also apply to our lives so that we reflect the image of Christ.

First, seek the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Paul helps us understand this principle when he continues, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth." According to Paul, we have a choice to either think and focus on the way the world does life or on how God does life.

Second, put to death or end what is earthly in you. Paul goes on to give some examples of what is earthly: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, covetousness and idolatry. Basically, Paul is saying that from an earthly point of view, nearly anything can become an idol and take our focus off of Christ. 

As Paul explains, before we came to Christ, we were focused on what the world offers. And following the ways of the world leads to other problems, like anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk.  

Third, “put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Paul says we must have a wardrobe change. We take off the old self and put on the new life in Christ. 

The result of taking of the old and putting on the new results in the following: compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you.

So, you see, layering simply won’t work when it comes to pleasing God. We must consistently take off our former ways and the ways of the world and replace them with the ways and practices of Jesus. The wardrobe change isn’t for some and not for others. Paul calls every believer to the same standard. 

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.” 

I wouldn’t go as far as saying we should all be dressing alike from a fashion perspective. But when we put on Christ daily, I suspect that the body of Christ, the church, will finally begin to behave in a way that more consistently reflects Jesus. When that happens, the world will finally know that Christ is Lord.

Father, forgive us for the many times and ways we go back to our old ways, which do not reflect your life in us. Today, we choose to put on Christ and to seek the things above instead of the things of the world. Unite us in love as we seek to reflect your love, grace, and mercy to the world that everyone might finally see Christ in us, the hope of glory.  In Jesus's name, amen.

 Your Time with God’s Word
Colossians 3:1-17 ESV

Photo by Ekaterina Kasimova on Unsplash
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