“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have”
I don’t know if you’ve ever heard this piece of career advice. I have, and haven’t cared to take much notice of it! But we all understand the idea. If you dress a certain way, your persona will align to the clothes you’re wearing, you’ll begin to act a certain way, and then you will get noticed for all these things and get a new job.
In Colossians, Paul has been telling Christians that true change won’t come about through rules or super-spirituality. True and total transformation only comes through staying in connection with Christ.
So, when he applies it, he does give some do’s and don’ts. But—and this is key—they all come in the context of being united with Christ. He tells us to live according to who are. ‘Dress’ your lives with actions fitting your status as a disciple of Christ.
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- Set your persona on Christ – your heart and mind
[S]et your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
(Colossians 3:1-2)
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- Put off your old ‘clothes’
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
(Colossians 3:5)
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- Put on your new ‘clothes’
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
(Colossians 3:12)
Total transformation in our lives doesn’t just come from rules or lists, but from following Christ and centring our hearts, minds and lives on him. Out of that we realign the rest of our lives. In other words, we dress according to the great position we already have!
– Sam Pursell