A Rainy Morning Lesson on Vanity

It's Sunday morning. Last night I laid the clothes out that I'm wearing to church this morning. It's an early one. I must be there to sign in by 7:30 am. I'm doing my best to give away clothes that I haven't worn in a year, so I pull out an outfit I haven't worn this summer. I want to keep this one. It's a navy blue and white dress and jacket. My accessories are white. After all, it's summer and white is in! I pin on a brooch that my mother-in-law gave me. I quickly take a photo of the brooch on my jacket and send it to my sis-in-law to show mom and to tell her I'm thinking of her today. Now, all set to go!

You know the saying "If you want it to rain, then wash your car." And, this morning I coined the phrase "If you want it to rain, then wear white", because as I step out to my car, it's suddenly pouring down rain. Thank you, Lord, for the rain, but I return to my closet to change to navy blue shoes instead of the white ones. A rainy day typically means cozy up with a good book and comfy clothes. But this day I'm dolled up for God's house and hearing from His good Book, from my cozy pew.

I'm at church early. I sign in as a server and greeter and then nestle into my pew. I kneel to offer thanksgiving, then I read today's scriptures. The words that jump off the page are from Ecclesiastes 1, "Vanity of vanities", says Qoheleth, "everything is vanity!" (FYI -- vanity means excessive pride in or admiration of one's appearance or achievements.) Immediately, I hear my Father's loving and gentle correction about my own vanity this morning. I was so fixated on what I'm wearing on the outside rather than Who I'm wearing on the inside.

Then I read the scripture from Colossians 3:1 "If you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth." So my good BOOK, continues to teach me a better way of living, I don't think for a minute that desiring to look good is an issue to God. He wants us to be appealing and bearing His light to the world. But I always know when He is helping me be better -- just like we gently help our little ones to do and be better. I know He loves me so much that He is always setting me straight on what my priorities should be.

Our pastor put the icing on the cake that God had already baked for me -- especially as he, too, honed in on the "vanity of vanity" scripture. He said, "We must be careful with our priorities: in our home, our wealth, our possessions, or the way we look." He added: "When I sit by someone who is dying, never do they talk about their house or car or degree, their wealth or what to wear. They always talk about their children and relationships with others -- the treasures they have stored up in heaven. That's sure where I want my treasures stored! I'm humbled...again!

Got Your Clothes On Yet?

Now that's a loaded question. The answer could be "yes", even if you've got your jammies on, your swimsuit on or a 3-piece suit on.

The fact is, we usually clothe ourselves according to the occasion.

A t-shirt and shorts may mean a comfortable afternoon at home. A silky chiffon dress might mean a special night out. An athletic shirt and tights might mean you're headed to the gym.

In Colossians 3:12, God’s people are encouraged to clothe themselves with five distinct attributes of Christ. Not for a special occasion, but for every day. So when we're asked "Got your clothes on yet?" -- these are the clothes that really matter regardless how we're stylin' or what "threads" we have on:

~ Clothes yourselves with compassion. Compassion is a way of living that reaches others with the hands and feet of Christ in very practical and loving ways.

~ Clothes yourselves with kindness. Kindness can be an encouraging word to a friend or a gesture that says, "I see you. You matter.” Kindness is a way of living that finds such great pleasure in making others feel cared about.

~ Clothes yourselves with humility. Humility is the epitome of selflessness. It's a way of living that looks to others first, because they genuinely care.

~ Clothes yourselves with gentleness. Gentleness is a way of living that expresses quiet, peaceful and calmness in our approach with others.

~ Clothes yourselves with patience. Patience a calm, peaceful endurance. It is a way of living that accepts God's timing as perfect timing, trusting Him Who holds all things in His hands.

As God’s dearly loved children, that before we put on our daily clothing attire, may we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience . . . each and every day, then we'll answer that question, "I've got my best outfit on today!"