Beautiful autumn days have arrived with a crisp in the air, and as Pastor Hank has been saying, “Change is in the air!” With this change of seasons, I’m always amused by the new fashion trends that are announced year after year. Sometimes the new fashion looks are hilariously ridiculous. As I was pondering this, I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me that there are 10 classic items for our spiritual wardrobe that will never go out of style.
We find these classics within the wisdom of Colossians 3:12-15 NLT which says, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
With these verses from Colossians in mind, here are what I’m fondly calling the “Top 10 Trends” from God’s fashion show that are always in style (along with a little bonus verse for each):
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Mercy (Micah 6:8 says for us to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God).
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Kindness (Romans 2:4 says the kindness of God leads us to repentance).
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Humility (James 4:10 says for us to humble ourselves before the Lord).
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Gentleness (Phil. 4:5 says to let our gentleness be evident to all).
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Patience (2 Peter 1:6 says for us to add patience to ourselves).
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Allowance (Eph. 4:2 says to have our love make allowance for others’ faults).
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Forgiveness (Mt. 6:14 says for us to forgive others as to have God forgive us).
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Love (Rom. 12:10 says for us to be devoted to one another in love).
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Peace (Phil. 4:7 says for us to have peace to guard our hearts and minds).
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Thankfulness (1 Thess. 5:18 says for us to have thanks in all things).
So, as you review the garments in your spiritual closet for this new season, be sure to have these 10 classic items, and then you’ll always step out in style.
Rachel Stageman is a staff member of Lord of Hosts Church.