What Are We Wearing?
A short reflection on Colossians 3:1–11 and Luke 12:13–21
In Colossians 3, we are asked to “set our minds on things above” and to “put on the new self.” In Luke 12, Jesus tells a parable about a man who builds bigger barns to store his wealth, only to discover he will die that very night. These two passages speak to the same spiritual truth: our identity is not in what we possess, but in who we become.
Paul challenges the Colossians – and us – not just to believe in Jesus, but to let that belief reshape our lives. The image of taking off old clothes and putting on a new self is vivid and practical. Let go of greed, anger, and lies. Put on compassion, humility, and kindness. That’s how the world sees Christ in us.
Jesus’ story of the rich fool is blunt: don’t waste your life stockpiling treasure that will not last. “Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions,” he says. True life is found in being rich toward God – in living generously, faithfully, and with love.
These readings invite us to take inventory – not of what’s in our wallet or wardrobe, but of what’s in our heart. What are we wearing today? And what needs to change?
Two lessons for today
Let go of harmful patterns and consciously choose values that reflect Christ.
Don’t build bigger barns – build a bigger life with others.
Ngā mihi
Philip
p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-8-3-aug-2025