POWER IN THE UNIFORM

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.”
Colossians 3:12-14

Have you ever noticed just how much a uniform makes a difference? Think about it. You’re in a large department store and you can’t find something, what do you do? You look for a person wearing a uniform because they’ll know where to go to find just what you’re seeking. If we find ourselves in distress or danger, the sight of a police officer or firefighter brings us comfort and we know them by their uniform. Uniforms are usually made to stand out in some way or another. The one in uniform is different in some way from those without one.
The Apostle Paul refers to us as the “elect of God” which means that we are called by God, chosen and set apart. Christians are not called to wear uniforms as those listed above might but the Apostle Paul did encourage us to “put on” certain things that would set us apart from others. These were more than just “things”; these were to be the markings of true Christian character.
Paul says we’re to put on tenderness and kindness, being called to show the same compassion that Christ showed those in the gospels. We’re also instructed to be humble and meek placing others needs above ours when given the opportunity. We are called also to be longsuffering, meaning that we are not to look at people as thieves of our patience but as people who need the same care as we once did prior to coming to Jesus Christ. With what patience did God show you? We are to extend others the same.
And what about that piece of the uniform that seems to bring it all together, that leaves us no doubt of who “they are”. Christians have that too! Paul says in vs14 that it’s Love. Love is the piece that perfects us! Love is that defining garment that comes from God Himself.
It’s amazing how uniforms change so frequently due to style but that’s what great about the clothing that God gives us to wear, they never go out of style and they’re always the right fit!

Pastor Seth <><