“He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”

Psalms 103:7-10 NIV

I love my morning time, but there’s one part I don’t like so much. That is when it’s time to get dressed. If I could have a magic wand to get me ready – shower, make-up, hair, clothes – it would be the best life ever. I’m not real high maintenance so I can usually get ready in about 20 minutes or so, and if I have shorts and a t-shirt, I’m doing just fine. But I do like to present myself well. Not only for my self -confidence, but also, because whether I like it or not, people will judge me by how I look. 

And I want to be dressed for success in any unexpected gatherings, conversations, or confrontations that might arise during the day. Because today might not just be about me and my outer beauty. But today could be the day I bring encouragement, comfort or joy to someone who desperately needs it. It may just be a day for Kingdom success.

And though my physical clothes are important, my spiritual clothes are even more significant in the power they have to accomplish good. 

“For the Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love”, and we should dress ourselves with these same characteristics as we rise and prepare for the day. 

Luke reminds us (Luke 12:35) to be dressed for service and keep our lamps burning, and the best way to do this is to start our day with Scripture. But unfortunately, Scripture is not like a magic wand that applies just because you read it. Applying Scripture is hard work that requires persistence, prayer and partnership with the Spirit. 

Paul teaches in Ephesians (6:10-19) how to dress to stay alert and be fully prepared to fight against the strategies of the devil, who tempts us every day.

The Lord instructs Jeremiah (15:19) to speak good words rather than worthless words and to influence others, rather than letting them influence you. 

Peter warns us against generational pride (I Peter 5:5) encouraging us to clothe ourselves in humility as we relate to one another, young and old. 

Solomon cautions against offense in Ecclesiastes (7:21) advising us to guard our hearts when people curse us because we too, have cursed others. 

And Paul showcases a whole bunch of inner and outer wear in Colossians 3:12-16. “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive one another. Put love on top of it all! Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart, and be thankful”. 

Be thankful for your clothes. Be thankful for your relationships. Be thankful for your ability to dress with spiritual power and truth, letting the message of Christ dwell richly in you are around you. Be thankful for the Holy Spirit, who gives us strength, no matter how weighty our clothes are, or how much others push our buttons, or how dirty our clothes have gotten – be thankful for the compassionate love and gracious patience that the Spirit not only gives to us, but allows us to give to others. 

“Therefore, prepare yourself and arise” (Jeremiah 1:17). Dress yourself for service so that you can be the best that you can be! 

What clothes are you going to wear today for Kingdom Success?