Dressing the Part Isn’t Psychological Hogwash Like It Sounds
I took the stairs today — my clothes made me do it
2023 was my year of growing stronger down the stretch, and I hit 13,180 push-ups by the end of September.
Then we went on vacation.
Then the weather turned cold.
And I got lazy.
A portion, not an insignificant amount, of the 35 pounds I lost found its way back home. Like a stray cat, you drop off at a neighbor’s house.
Self-discipline sucks.
But I knew I’d spend most of the day laying around in a hospital room doing whatever my ailing daughter asked. So, I put on a jogging suit. You know the kind—form-fitting and comfortable. Perfect for a lazy, lounging afternoon. Of course, shoes had to match. My barely worn Asics running shoes would complete the ensemble.
But something happened for the first time since my last long walk on Topsail Island.
The athletic attire’s fabric absorbed into my skin, injecting energy into my bloodstream. I passed up plenty of empty spots on the first three levels of the hospital’s parking deck to choose one at the top. Then, I bound up six flights of stairs in the hospital (more than once for different reasons).
This must be how Spider-Man and Superman feel when they don their superhero outfits.
It makes sense, I guess. When I put on my old jeans and flannel shirt, I have an urge to cut wood on my table saw.
Dressing for success or for the job you want isn’t a philosophy I’ve put much stock in, but today’s events have me questioning long-held assumptions.
I should’ve known.
The Bible says it makes a difference in how we clothe ourselves
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:12-14, NLT)
“The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.” (Romans 13:12-14, NLT)
“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, NLT)
As Christians, we don’t have to dress for the part. It’s already ours. Jesus purchased our robes of righteousness with His blood, but we do have to put them on.
Because “tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” do not come naturally.
