January 10th | Our Identity In Christ Comes With A Uniform

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Outward uniformity fosters deep unit cohesion, builds trust, and enables soldiers to stand strong together in the most stressful and dangerous situations.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another and forgive any grievances you may have against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12–14)

These are not optional accessories. They are the wardrobe God calls us to wear every day.

Because God has chosen us—not because we first chose Him—we carry both privilege and responsibility. Our faith isn’t passive; it demands active, intentional effort to live in a way that reflects His character.

Think of the military as a powerful (and positive) picture of conformity: identical haircuts, matching uniforms, shared standards. That outward uniformity fosters deep unit cohesion, builds trust, and enables soldiers to stand strong together in the most stressful and dangerous situations.

In the same way, as followers of Christ, we are called to “put on” our new spiritual uniform. Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love—these virtues mark us as belonging to Jesus. When we consistently wear them, they strengthen our unity with other believers, reinforce our identity in Christ, and guard our hearts against drifting or backsliding.

Make no mistake: this wardrobe comes at a cost.

These qualities often run counter to our natural instincts and to much of what we see in today’s world. When we’re met with meanness, rudeness, anger, or impatience, our flesh wants to respond in kind. But the gospel calls us higher.

There is a profound difference between responding in kind and responding with kindness. The first comes naturally. The second requires supernatural grace—and it is exactly what identifies us as Christ’s people.

Today, let’s intentionally put on the full wardrobe God has provided. It may feel costly and counter-cultural at times, but it is the uniform that proclaims whose we are—children of God - and it is the very thing that holds us together in perfect unity.

Wear it well friends.