Clothing-Not Optional

During these times of quarantine, clothing may have been one of the lowest priorities on your list. Personally, I stay in my jammies for the first few hours after waking, and then mid-morning I change into my sweats and a t-shirt, or a soft flowy skirt and a t-shirt—depending on if it’s a warm or cool day. Later in the afternoon I switch to my workout shorts and a different t-shirt for a brisk walk around the neighborhood. Then after showering, I put my previous around-the-house-outfit back on. Then as darkness settles and Jeopardy comes on, I change back into my jammies. The cycle has been pretty much the same for the last month or so. In addition to my various outfits and degrees of leisurewear, I also try and remember to clothe myself in something else throughout the day: the same attitude as Jesus.

Being sequestered inside the house 24 hours a day with my loved ones has been an unexpected blessing I couldn’t have imagined. Having my young-adult ducklings home, under one roof for such an extended period of time is my dream come true. And we are genuinely all getting along really well. We still like each other a lot and enjoy being together.

As huge a blessing as this is, I still have to check myself every now and then. Once in a while I get a bit tired and maybe a little snappy, so I check myself against God’s standard and see that I need to clothe myself in something other than my store-bought apparel.

Below are the Scriptures that list the things you and I must remember to clothe ourselves in, not just during these stay-at-home times, but also every day. This kind of clothing changes the atmosphere in our homes and makes all the difference in the world around us. It doesn’t cost a thing and really it shouldn't be optional!

Colossians 3:12-15, “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. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”