THE "LAYERED" LOOK By Marion Smith

Fall is here, and it is time for me to rearrange my closet. Put all the summer shorts and tees in the back and place slacks, jackets and the clothes of heavier material and "fall colors" to the front. It is a fact of life for those of us who live in areas where we experience the change of seasons that we must have a variety of clothes appropriate for each type of weather conditions.

God has given us two types of clothing. There is clothing appropriate for living, and that which we need for war. Actually, it is a layered look we have with our heavenly wardrobe, for we need both kinds of clothing to live our lives as God has planned for us to do. The battle wardrobe is used to fight spiritual warfare, for we are always in an unseen struggle with Satan. God told us to put on the helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, belt of truth, and shoes of peace . We must also carry the sword of the spirit and the shield of faith. These items will keep Satan at bay as he tries to invade our thoughts and lives. He also tells us in the Bible, in Colossians, 3:12,13 that we should be ever ready to donn tenderhearted mercies and kindness to others. We must wear gentleness ,forgiveness and humbleness. Theses beautiful garments of love are for us to wear today, just as God gave beautiful garments for Arron, the priest, in the Old Testament of the Bible. His clothes were sacred garments and they indicated he was separated to God, and so are ours.

Now, each morning when I mentally put on my armor of God, I will also remember the 2nd layer of clothing God wants me to wear… the one that will radiate Christ's love through us when we dress as He has instructed us to. We will shine for HIM, all day long.