Mis-Matched Shoes
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as I prepare for this day, remind me to put on Your love and armor so I will be a good model of Your loving kindness. Amen
“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 3:12-14 NIV
REFLECT:
Years ago I remember attending the annual Kansas Elder Board banquet. We looked forward to this event as it was the big formal highlight of the year. As I was walking into the banquet hall I realized I was wearing mis-matched shoes! We had driven in from out of town and there was no going back… I suffered through the whole evening trying to hide my feet at all cost. It was obvious when I was putting on my shoes I did not pay enough attention to what I was doing. Have you ever gone somewhere and embarrassed yourself by not dressing appropriately?
APPLY:
When you prepare yourself for the day do you also dress yourself spiritually? Colossians 3 urges us to put on the Love of God, also in Ephesians 6 it encourages to put on the Armor of God. You would never be seen outside your home without physical clothing on. Yet, how much more important is dressing spiritually. Others can see your spiritual clothing just as well as they can see your physical clothing. Like my miss-matched shoes, if we are not careful to dress properly we can find ourselves walking around with one shoe of love and the other hate.
Be diligent to dressing yourself spiritual as these virtues will determine your physical conduct. When you are carefully dressed in God’s love you will be less likely to lash out with hurting remarks, gossip or negative comments. Don’t disgrace yourself by reacting unkind. Remember you are a child of God. One time I noticed on my way home from an all-day shopping occasion that I was wearing my blouse in-side-out. How embarrassing! Always set yourself up for a spiritually successful day. Take care to dress accordingly!
CLOSING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father; Thank You for Your Holy Spirit Who guides me daily. I am confident Your love will help me on my life’s journey. Amen…