Introduction: In our modern world we can often tell a person’s occupation by looking at them. You will not see a police officer directing traffic wearing a butcher’s apron. You will not see a park ranger wearing a pizza delivery uniform. You will not see a doctor wearing a welding mask. Just the same, many times you can tell a Christian by meeting him on the street. The Bible gives some guidelines for us about how we should be dressed as Christians. The guiding principles of the Bible require two basic things: Modesty and distinction of the two genders. Now some folks believe that all they must do to be a Christian is dress like one. Does wearing a chef hat mean you know how to cook? You might find one at the Thrift Store. Does a white lab coat make a doctor qualified?
Here in Colossians 3:12-15, God has a wardrobe of Christian Character traits that He desires for each of us to wear. If we wear these garments that God has tailored for us, we will live fulfilled Christian lives, and we will make an unbelievable impact on the world around us.
1. Compassion: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for someone struck by misfortune, accompanied by a desire to alleviate the suffering; mercy.
a. Be a listener—keep your ears open to the needs around you.
b. Show genuine concern—care about those in need
c. Pray
2. Kindness: being considerate, friendly
a. This is where many Christians have struggled. It is easy to talk about being kind. It is easy to be kind to those who are kind to us. But what about the times when you have to go to the grocery store. You left home in plenty of time. You had a flat tire on the way. You got stuck in slow traffic. You are baby-sitting your neighbor’s 6-year-old terror. He is with you during your trip to the store. He throws a fit in the store, knocks items off the shelf, and breaks your dozen eggs. Then you get to the checkout line. The cashier is new and has no idea what she is doing. You say, OH! DO I HAVE TO SMILE AND BE KIND?!
3. Humility: modest opinion of one’s own importance or rank. God’s Word instructs us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. (Rom. 12:3)
4. Meekness: a state of being patient and kind even when provoked by others. Don’t retaliate when other do you wrong. A good attitude is the surest way to win another to the Lord.
5. Patience: the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain without complaint, loss of temper, or anger.
6. Charity—(most important of all): Christian love
7. Peace of God
8. Thankfulness—Gratitude to others, a simple “Thank you.” This will go a long ways in showing others that we appreciate what they have done for us. Some folks seem to believe that the whole world owes them everything. The Bible calls these people unthankful.
Conclusion: We have a world to win for Christ—one person at a time. Every person with who we come in contact is a soul Christ loves. We need to be careful to make sure that our lives attract others to Jesus Christ.
