God’s Wardrobe For Us

Preparing to show ourselves to the world each morning usually takes some time. We want to look our best before we face the eyes and opinions of others. The 1950’s is a good place in time to look when considering the well-dressed.  Women of the time often cared for their homes and families, starting their day quite early with a morning bath using a bar of soap that doubled as a laundry cleaner! Getting dressed took a bit of time for the lady of the house. Although she would often spend the morning vacuuming, dusting, and hanging laundry out to dry, she did her work in style–a fitted skirt and embroidered blouse, jewelry, nylons and heels. Her hair was her crowning glory, fixed nicely after wearing her curlers to bed overnight. For men, textured sport coats were paired with smooth pants and a belt, sold for as low as $1.37. Blazers often had a large checker or plaid print with contrasting elbow pads. After a long work day, leisure clothes were donned and included colorful shirts and shorts in warm weather, complete with knee high socks. Dressing well was a daily affair for both men and women,  lending itself  to the healthy, happy lifestyle portrayed in that more innocent time.

Looking good on the outside is important because it shows that we care about ourselves, it’s part of being our best. But the most important items to put on are not fashionable skirts and blouses, or tweed suit coats and slacks, they are the inner qualities God chooses for us:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.  Colossians 3:12-14

We can go out into the world without matching accessories, clothing in complimentary colors, and every hair in place. We cannot go out into the world successfully without clothing our heart and mind in the qualities that come from God. When preparing for the day, make time to ask His help in clothing yourself with the inner beauty that comes from these qualities.