A lot of people were wearing IU (or Miami) gear yesterday, and this morning, some may still be wearing it. In Indianapolis, I saw Colts hats, hoodies, jerseys, and flags, and up here in “Da Region,” it’s more about the Bears.
When it comes to sports, millions across our country – and around the world – love being identified with them. Sports have a way of shaping our visible allegiances. What we wear announces what—and who—we belong to. But that got me pondering….
The Apostle Paul seemed to understand this instinct. He wrote often about clothing, but not the kind you buy at the bookstore or pull from your closet. To the Colossians, he urged believers: “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). To the Galatians, he went even further: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).
Paul wasn’t interested in fashion advice for sports fans. He was talking about identity.
Clothing is public. It’s visible. Certain types of clothing tell a story before we ever speak. It can affiliate us with a team or a city or a cause. Paul’s question for us, however, goes deeper: If someone looked at you, who and what would they assume you’ve aligned yourself with?
What if we wore our faith the way we wear our sports gear? What if the way we live, act, and speak comes together to make our faith unmistakable? Not in an arrogant way, but in a way that makes it clear our allegiance is to someone and something greater than ourselves.
Imagine if God’s grace for all people was as obvious as a logo. If God’s love was the first thing people noticed about us. If forgiveness was the message of our mascot.
Today’s pondering is this: What are you wearing into the world today? Who does it say you belong to? In addition to the IU, Bears, Colts, and, yes, even Purdue clothing that we wear, may we more importantly be so clothed in Christ that our allegiance is clear—not because we shout it, but because we live it.
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to clothe myself with Christ today. Shape my words, actions, and attitude so that my allegiance to you is visible in love, forgiveness, and grace. May what I wear—inside and out—point others toward you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
