In 1975, John Molloy wrote a book called Dress For Success, which became the fashion guidebook for many people trying to climb the corporate ladder. Molloy’s advice centered on a basic premise–always dress like your boss. Every day, for work, school, or recreation, we all have to decide what to wear. And even in the dress-down 90’s, people strive for the right look.  But we must also make choices about another wardrobe–our attitudes and actions. If we claim to be followers of Christ, our spiritual apparel is of far greater significance than our physical clothing. Take a look at God’s dress code for us. As His chosen people, we are to clothe ourselves with “kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (see note Colossians 3:12). We are to demonstrate patience and forgiveness (see note Colossians 3:13). And above all, we must “put on love, which is the bond of perfection” (see note Colossians 3:14). Do I begin each day by acknowledging Christ as the Person in charge, the One for whom I work? Do I take time to clothe myself with attitudes that please Him? Am I wearing what people are most longing to see–compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love? If so, I’ll be dressed for success in God’s service. –DCM (Our Daily Bread)

O to be like Him, tender and kind,
Gentle in spirit, lowly in mind;
More like Jesus, day after day,
Filled with His Spirit, now and alway. –Ellsworth

Kindness is Christianity with its working clothes on.

“Be content with such things as ye have.” Hebrews 13:5

We may not have what we wish, but we certainly have what our God thinks best for us. Every mercy is directed by infinite wisdom and eternal love, and never misses its road, or comes into the possession of any but the persons for whom it is intended. Let us therefore remember, that our God has chosen our inheritance for us, and it becomes us to be content; yea, to be very grateful. We have infinitely more than we deserve; we have more than many of our fellow-believers. We have liberty, while the Apostle were shut up in prison; we have a home, while many of the primitive Christians wandered about in dens and caves of the earth; our lives are protected, while the martyrs were burned at the stake: we live in hope of heaven, while many are lifting up their eyes in hell, being in torments. Let us strive to be content with present things, and hope for better: let us endeavour to learn Paul’s lesson, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound.” And say:

Take my soul and body’s powers,
Take my memory, mind, and will
All my goods, and all my hours,
All I know, and all I feel:
Thine I live, thrice happy I!
Happier still if Thine I die. –James Smith, 1840

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” Matthew 5:38-39

There are at least two motives which should be sufficient to lead us to cultivate the grace of forbearance. One is that no insult can do us harm — unless we allow it to irritate us. If we endure even the sorest words, as Jesus endured His wrongs and revilings — they will not leave one trace of injury upon us. They can harm us only when we allow ourselves to become impatient or angry. We can get the victory over them and utterly disarm them of power to do us injury — by holding ourselves superior to them. The feeling of resentment will change to pity — when we remember that not he who is wronged — but he who does the wrong, is the one who suffers.

And to help in bearing with disagreeable people or those with unamiable qualities, there is nothing better than a sincere wish to do them good.– J. R. Miller

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”–Romans 12:21

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord “– Romans 12:11

The word “business” here refers to any responsibility or activity in which we might be engaged, not just career or financial obligations.

Paul exhorts us not to be slothful, or lazy, in anything that we do. Whether you are parenting, or studying, or working, or ministering you should do it to the very best of your ability. As Solomon so wisely advised, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).

Sadly, sometimes we confuse our American rights with our Christian rights, and we begin to grumble and complain and get by with as little as we can. But Christians should be the most conscientious and virtuous employees, husbands and wives, or citizens, no matter where they are or what their circumstance.

Why? What is the motivation for such constancy and integrity, even in the midst of a lazy and selfish culture? Paul reminds us simply that we are “serving the Lord.”

No matter what responsibility or opportunity we may be given, we are ultimately to understand that it comes from God and that we are to perform the duty for His sake, for His pleasure. We are serving the Lord.

Do not settle for a mediocre effort and do not have an ungrateful disposition. As you change diapers, or give presentations, or sell products, or take tests — whatever you do, do it with all your might, in service to the Lord.–Baptist Bible Hour