Colossians 3:12

Kunle Olabode

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering (Colossians 3:12)

It has been said that it may not always be possible to have a second opportunity to make a first impression. Quite often, impressions are based on outlooks and largely a factor of the attire people put on. This also partly explains the rationale for people striving to keep up with the latest fashion. The danger is that clothes and physical attires quickly get out of fashion.

However, there is a spiritual attire which is never out of fashion. The clothing of the inner man characterised by the fruit of the Holy Spirit. A life clothed in love, peace, tender mercies, kindness, humility and longsuffering cannot be out of fashion.

Put more plainly, Christlikeness is never out of style. This partly explains why on several instances in the Bible, Christians are encouraged to 'put on' or 'be clothed with' virtues that are characteristic of the new life in Christ.

While there is nothing wrong with dressing in decent and moderate physical clothing, there is a lot to be concerned about the pursuit of worldly fashion and keeping pace with the 'reigning' attires.

May the Lord help us to live the kind of lives that are loving, kind and true.