| “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” |
| —Matthew 6:25 |
In 1975, John Malloy started a near revolution in the business world by writing a book entitled Dress for Success. Hundreds of thousands of businessmen—and a bit later on, businesswomen—devoured this book. Then, they went out and bought all new wardrobes following Malloy’s advice.
Soon, in corporate offices across the land, a whole new sense of business fashion took hold. Some of us were left behind, including grossly overweight me. I had a hard enough time finding clothing that actually fit my odd-shaped frame. Furthermore, I simply did not believe I could afford to spend the kind of money that was required to meet Malloy’s recommendations.
I did have a close friend who came to work at the insurance company where I worked, after he had spent 20 years as a firefighter. He was a very intelligent and very talented man. Growing up relatively poor, he had not had the opportunity to pursue a college degree. But, his high level of common sense, intense interest in reading—even devouring—books, and his rugged handsomeness allowed him to grab onto the ideas put forth in Malloy’s book and make them work exceedingly well for him.
I watched with great pleasure his rise in the company. When he retired fifteen years later, he had become the manager of one of the critically important departments. He always looked the part of a top executive. People were naturally attracted to him. He had a humble spirit that helped engage people and put them at ease. All in all, he validated the advice that Malloy had given.
In the spiritual realm, we do not achieve forward spiritual formation by eating certain foods or wearing certain clothing. God measures us through His eyes of love in a very different way. Note these words of Jesus found in Matthew 6:25:
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
As we begin a new day, let’s determine to focus on the inward sense of God’s Presence in our lives. While we should not turn into slobs, we should also not focus on what we eat, drink, or wear. Rather, we should seek to become clothed in the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. That’s the kind of clothing that will dress us for spiritual success.
Based on a blog originally posted on Wednesday, October 4, 2017
