Editor’s Note: A similar version to this post first posted on January 16, 2023. We hope you enjoy this encore publication today and tomorrow.
This month we have been delving into the soiree element of dress code. The topic is a fairly important one. After all, who wants to attend any social gathering and discover that they are over- or under-dressed? The prospect can be embarrassing at best and could be a downright joy-robber! We have uncovered some tips and tricks for both deciding (as a host) and discerning (as a guest) the proper dress for various occasions, in an effort to help all of us feel less anxious about our wardrobes. But wouldn’t it be glorious if we never had to worry about dress code? It would save so much waste, literally.
In America and really in many parts of the world, fashion is a major employer and expenditure. Currently, the fashion industry is valued at $1.7 trillion worldwide and makes up 2% of the global Gross Domestic Product. Unfortunately, the clothing industry also adds up to a lot of unused surplus. Nearly 60 percent of all discarded clothes eventually make their way to a landfill. That is the equivalent of one garbage truck filled with clothes being either dumped in a landfill or burned every second.[i] Yet, to anyone who ever receives and accepts God’s invitation to everlasting fellowship with Him, He provides not one but two perfectly sized wardrobes that never wear out or lose their usefulness. One collection equips us to be knights and the other to be royal ambassadors. We read about them in Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3. We will delve further into our role as knights tomorrow, but for today, let’s explore our role as royal ambassadors.
Robed as Royal Ambassadors
Colossians 3:12 says, So, as God’s own chosen people, who are holy [set apart, sanctified for His purpose] and well-beloved [by God Himself], put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience [which has the power to endure whatever injustice or unpleasantness comes, with good temper], bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive. 14 Beyond all these things put on and wrap yourselves in [unselfish] love, which is the perfect bond of unity [for everything is bound together in agreement when each one seeks the best for others]. That, friends, is the wardrobe of a royal ambassador.
We have the ability to robe ourselves this way, because we have been chosen by God and created in His image, and these are the attributes of His character. And wouldn’t it be far more life-giving to wear these items than the clothing so much of the world wears?
Pastor David Jeremiah says that as long as there is earthly breath in our lungs, we can live in such a way that we “put into practice what we already are in position. And Colossians tells us that we are positioned as God’s chosen family members, holy (set apart for royal service) and dearly loved. What a beautiful identity to have. By His grace, we wear the seal of His Spirit, the robes of His righteousness, and according to Colossians 3, the garments of His character.
This month we introduced to you the Winter Closet Outfit Planner by Style by Color. As we go about our everyday living, the Planner is a wonderful tool for helping us easily determine our earthly outfits. But for all of us who have accepted God’s invitation into forever fellowship, we have access to two amazing wardrobes that not only keep us well-appointed for any life circumstance, but also strengthen us for every situation, as well. Join us tomorrow when we look at how God prepares us and clothes us for life’s battles.
[i] https://www.zippia.com/advice/fashion-industry-statistics/
— Sue Lindsey and Linda Maynard (c) January 2023
