I went upstairs to do a little “cleaning” this afternoon and found one of Olivia’s dresses draped across her chair with dress shoes under it and this note sitting on top of the dress.

“If theres church here R the clothes”

It took me a minute and then I remembered that Saturday night she went to a sleepover, and since I wasn’t sure if they were going to make it to church or not I told her to pick something out and leave it in her room for me “just in case” and I would run it to her.

As I read this note, it really made me think.

What have I taught Olivia about “church.” It’s really not the building or the service. It’s the people.

And what have I taught her about “dressing for church services.” Does she have to look a certain way to be acceptable?

And even more than both of those questions, have I ever taught her about dressing as a Christian.

Eph. 6
13
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Luke 12
4For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.

I Timothy 2
9
I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

Gal. 3
26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Col. 3
12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

I Peter 3
3Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. 4Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

As I picked up Olivia’s piece of notebook paper, I thought it was just a cute and simple note.

But the longer I’ve thought about it, the more I’ve realized that this was a powerful reminder that it is my responsibility to teach Olivia about being spiritually fashionable.

I want her to know that….

She is part of the church………….and God picks the clothes!