Put off, Put on

Have you ever been to a special event or on a trip and you just couldn’t decide what to wear? I know I always over pack when I’m traveling because I wonder if the weather will change or what is more likely my mood will change.

As a matter of fact, I did it this week. I’m at a conference and I brought two large suitcases. One morning, I was trying to decide what to wear. I put on one outfit; I took it off. I put on another outfit; I took it off. I put on a third outfit and… well, you get the picture.

Not long after, I was reading my Bible and dropped a worksheet from a Life Action Revival service I attended several years ago. I have kept it in my Bible all these years because I felt the message on the sheet was so important.

The top of the page read “Put Off… Put On.” As I read the words, they spoke to my heart. I had been putting off and putting on clothes, things to change my outward appearance. I wanted to appear a certain way so I would “make an impression.” What I really need to put off and put on are some attitudes.

There were 78 listed on the worksheet. I want to share a few.

We are to put off laziness and put on diligence.

The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. Proverbs 13:4

We are to put off gossip and put on edifying speech.

And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to. 1Timothy 5:13

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

We are to put off pride and put on humility.

But He gives us more grace. That is why the scripture says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

Ephesians 4:22 says we are to put off our old self and Romans 13:14 says we are to clothe ourselves with the Lord, Jesus Christ. I need stop each morning as I am deciding what to wear and ask myself, what am I putting on today that I should be taking off in order to make an impression on others?

2 Responses to Put off, Put on
  1. Laurie Ann
    October 27, 2008 | 2:53 pm

    Awesome reminders of “what not to wear” and what to wear!

  2. LauraLee Shaw
    October 28, 2008 | 12:24 pm

    Awesome admonishment! I won’t forget this analogy!