What to Wear in the New Year

Tuesday - December 28th

Scripture to Read Today: Colossians 3:12-17

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As God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:12

In the United States, every New Year's Day from 1801 to 1932 (except during Wilson's presidency), a White House reception was held in which the public lined up to shake the President's hand. The line was often several blocks long. It created a long day for the sitting President as they were expected to shake hands with everyone. The first lady would shake hands as well, but she could leave early if she grew tired.

Members of the general public attended the reception along with diplomats, members of the cabinet, senators, members of Congress, government officials, and members of the military. In the last few decades that they took place, the crowds were in the thousands, with a line of sometimes over 6,000 people.

I can imagine the President and First Lady had to prepare themselves for a long day of smiles and handshaking. They had to put on kindness and hospitality. As followers of Christ, we are told to put on the characteristics and attributes that reflect Him.

Colossians 3:12 instructs, "clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." As we move into the New Year, few of us (if any) will ever have to greet thousands of people at a reception in our homes. Yet, we all should put on the qualities of Christ as we interact with other people. As a result, others will feel welcomed, valued, known, and loved.

We never know how much a kind word, an encouraging smile, or a gracious gesture might bring to someone else. We never know what others are going through in their lives. By wearing qualities like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, we naturally add value to others by our interaction with them.

Let others see you wearing the qualities of Christlikeness in the new year - it will bless them!