A few years ago, my husband and a friend of his attempted the Three Peaks Challenge—climbing the highest mountains of Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. This included scaling Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles at 1,344 meters. It was sunny at the foot of Ben Nevis as the men, dressed in just T-shirts and shorts, started their ascent. As they approached the summit, however, the weather changed; they hit ice and thick fog and their skimpy clothing simply wasn’t enough. They made it down the mountain, but the challenge was off.
Just as we might listen to the weather forecast before selecting what to wear, so too we should check out the wisdom of God’s Word as we prepare for the day (Joshua 1:8; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). As believers in Jesus, we need to enter our day “dressed” appropriately—putting on mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12). This includes being prepared to allow for the faults of others, forgiving anyone who offends us, and remembering God’s forgiveness as we forgive others (Colossians 3:13).
We should also never leave the house without first putting on love—it’s essential in keeping us connected to the needs around us (Colossians 3:14). Finally, before we get dragged into the unpredictable frenzy of a new day, we should pause and allow the peace of Christ to rule in our heart as we reflect on how thankful we are for His blessings and provision (Colossians 3:15).
When we become busy, it can be easy to leave the house dressed spiritually poor. At the start of a new year, let’s become familiar with Jesus and His message so we can be an accurate representation of who He is to others (Colossians 3:16-17).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 18:1-15
More:
Read Romans 13:12-14 and see what Paul says about clothing and putting on the presence of Jesus.
Next:
What spiritual “clothing” have you not been wearing lately? What needs to change so that you can be dressed for success in living for Jesus?
Philip McMillan on January 10, 2015 at 3:43 am
Beautiful thoughts.
The most important principle is that of preparation. Daily reflection and worship to start the day is how Jesus lived. He always knew what his challenges were about.
I find the hardest part of God living, is learning to hear and listen for his voice. That still soft direction that can only be heard above the noise of life when we deliberately pause.
tgustafs on January 10, 2015 at 9:10 am
What a great reminder for the new year, Ruth! I agree with Philip (above): The hardest part is being still and listening for God. Busyness is so subtle.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on January 11, 2015 at 6:59 am
Hi Philip and Tim – no matter our good intentions at the start of a new year, it usually doesn’t take long before our daily responsibilities begin to weigh us down and we can, quickly become distracted from our Godly purpose. I’m reminded of that scripture in Matthew 6:33 – ‘Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need’.