Try On

Oh, I saw the cutest jacket today. I wanted it. I tried it on...

and it made me: Pale, overweight, broad shouldered, blah, blah blah. It somehow managed to point out all the areas I haven't worked on lately. I sighed, pulled it off and put it back on the hanger.

I hate trying on clothes. Maybe it's my short attention span, so I rarely go shopping, and if I do go, I tend to go in spurts so I can just get it over with. I order things online because it's easier and I don't have to go anywhere or see anybody.

Or, maybe if I'm being truthful, I hate trying on clothes because I'm usually just disappointed.

I hate trying on clothes because I have to look in the mirror. And I have to admit things.

Like I have gained weight over the last three years. I'm getting older and things just aren't as they used to be (not that they ever actually were anything...). I haven't really actually worked out hard enough over the winter - just walks on the treadmill. No Russian twists, no dumbbell rows, hardly any pushups.

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Now, if you're a nice friend, you'd tell me, "meh...that jacket isn't that cute. It just isn't your right size or fit. It's not you, it's the jacket. But... as I tried on the jacket today, I was reminded of some verses about putting on the characteristics of God. This trying on leaves me with no excuse. It IS me:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. -Colossians 3:12-13

Ever picture yourself in the fitting room of character traits?? Actually trying them on? Kindness in a Large? What does it look like on you? Ill-fitting because it points out all the areas you're not kind? Have you tried on humility? Does it make your over-indulgence in yourself hang out? Tried on patience lately? How's it fit - does it make your temper look big? And what about adding that perfect accessory of love to complete the outfit? How's it look?

It's not easy to try on the clothing of holiness... I mean, God looks good in it...but me? Not sure we want to look at ourselves as we are. It's not easy to try on characteristics of holiness and have our shortcomings pointed out. It takes discipline - you know a good workout for your character - so that we can tighten up that area that has become lazy and out of shape.

And thank God, He promises He's given us the Holy Spirit to help us and develop holiness in us. Go ahead, try it on.

I bet it looks good on you and wow, it really brings out your eyes.