31 Days of UnitySample

(Re)new: Sometimes clothes make the occasion. There are certain moments that are so special that we need special clothes to mark them as different. Graduation gowns, wedding dresses, tuxedos, suits, there are so many forms of special clothing that help us feel the significance of important moments.

In many Christian traditions, leading the worship service, and serving in the role of clergy, has been noted by wearing special clothes. Robes, albs, stoles, collars, suits, there are many variations marking those who have taken on the call and responsibility of serving the body of Christ. It is amazing how putting on clothes for these roles can change your posture and presence. The clothes communicate to you and everyone else, that you are accepting a calling to live as Christ in this role.

The beautiful and challenging nature of being Christians is that all of us are called to put on clothing that marks us as set apart for God’s purposes. This is not merely a role for pastors and priests, this is a calling for the entire Body of Christ. Part of our death and rebirth into new life in Christ is taking off the clothes of our former selves and putting on the clothes of those who live in God’s kingdom. The former life we knew, before Jesus, was a participation in the world of chaos and destruction. Our sinfulness and selfishness led to pain and suffering in our lives and the lives of others. But now, clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and the patience of God, we are at peace and we are peacemakers.

As we seek the renewal of the church, it would help us to check our clothing. Are we living as those who are clothed in the love of God, or are we continuing to interact with one another through our earthly nature? How can we better bring compassion, kindness, mercy, and thankfulness into our interactions with each other? As peacemakers, we are called to “bear with each other and forgive one another… forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)

Maybe that is the starting point for renewal in the church. We begin to clothe ourselves in Christ’s love when we forgive one another. How would the way the world sees the church change if we become known for our forgiveness of one another? How would the practice of compassionate forgiveness begin to heal what divides us and open space for God to do something new in our midst?

After you read the passage, ask yourself these questions:

• As you read the description of the earthly nature in verse 5, which of these elements is hardest to put to death?
• Which piece of clothing, listed in verse 12, is hardest for you to put on in your daily life?
• As you read this description of peacemaking, how is God calling you to participate in healing the church?

Our Prayer for (Re)newal

Create in us clean hearts, O God, that we may learn to be your people, and live in unity with one another. Give us the gift of humility, and strengthen us to live in sacrificial love for one another. May we glorify you by being peacemakers in a world of division. Amen