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In the tale The Emperor’s New Clothes, a wealthy vain ruler is consumed with his own appearance. He hires two weavers to create outfits that will mesmerize the masses. The clever weavers decide to take advantage of the emperor’s conceit and play a trick on him. They convince him that they have woven the most magical material that only the wisest and most important people can see. So they go through the motions of weaving this magical cloth and make a cloak for the king. Of course, the material did not exist, nor did the cloak, and the emperor parades through the streets naked. He is convinced that he should be able to see the clothing, so he pretends that he does.
Today’s passage speaks about the way we, as believers, are clothed, not with cloth that can be seen, but with the qualities of God’s righteous character. It depicts a contrast between the way we appeared without Christ and the way our lives are transformed afterward. Before Christ we are marked by our “earthly nature.” We are characterized by ugly things like sexual immorality, greed, selfishness, rage, malice, and filthy language (vv. 5-8). Certainly, these behaviors are not becoming of royalty!
Paul compares our change in lifestyle to changing clothing. We are to recognize our position in Christ (vv. 1-4), “take off” (v. 9) these old behaviors, and “put on the new self” (v. 10). How wonderful to know that we are no longer destined to wear the old tattered clothing that represents our sinful nature. Instead we are treated to glorious new clothes of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness (v. 13). Of course, “taking off” these old habits and desires must be aided by God. We are still living with earthly habits. It is through the Holy Spirit that we daily put on these new clothes.
This behavior brings great reward. Through it we are ruled by unity and peace. Through it we are filled with thankfulness and gratitude. We are transformed and perfected, as we dwell in God’s love.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you get dressed today or tomorrow, consider how you choose the clothing you put on. Do you put on your paint-splattered sweatshirt to attend a church or business meeting? Would you wear your old, beat-up gym shoes to a nice restaurant? Just as you put clothing on your body appropriate for the task at hand, pray that God will help you put on His righteousness: qualities of love, compassion, kindness, thankfulness, gentleness—garments appropriate for the life He has given us.
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