SEPTEMBER 23

Dress for Success

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:5-15

Colossians 3:12-14, “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another.  If one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.”

There used to be a show on TV called, “What Not to Wear.”  The premise of the show was to find some person who needed some drastic improvement when it came to their wardrobe.  Two fashion experts provided advice and clothing to the poorly dressed slob.  Then, at the end of the show, the now well-dressed person would be unveiled to the oohs and aahs of his or her family and friends.

Spiritually speaking, we live and exist in a “What Not to Wear” reality.  None of us, by nature, are properly attired for heaven.  Something must be done if we are to gain access.  This can only happen through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.  Yet once saved, there is work to be done.  There is still a need to concern oneself with our garments (so to speak).  That is the focus of our text.  The phrases “laid aside” and “put on” come from terms which were used regarding the putting off and putting on of clothing (Colossians 3:9, 12). 

Considering your new identity in Christ, there are certain attitudes and actions you are to put off.  You are to cast them from you as stinky and smelly garments.  What are they?  One list is given in Colossians 3:5. Another list appears in Colossians 3:8-9.

And, in light of your new identity in Christ, there are attitudes and actions you are to put on which are consistent and appropriate.  Having been born again you have a new identity, as one of “God’s chosen ones” (Colossians 3:12).  You are His child.  You belong to Him.  You are also “holy.” You’ve been set apart from the world, unto God.  The garbs of sin adorned by the lost in this world, are not appropriate for those who belong to Christ. 

Believers are “beloved” by God.  How shall we dress as his children?  What sort of attire should we wear?  The children of Kings dress in royal attire.  So what shall those belonging to the King of Kings wear?  Those destined to a Wedding Ceremony don their best clothing, what is appropriate dress for those destined towards heaven?  Attitudes and actions such as: “Compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience; bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also much forgive.  And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12-14).

F. B. Meyer has well summarized the matter, “We must be careful to be properly dressed each day. If we lose our temper over trifles, or yield to uncharitable speech, it shows that we have omitted to put on the girdle of love; if we yield to pride, avarice, envy and jealousy, we must not simply endeavor to put off these evils but take from the wardrobe the opposite graces. It is not enough to avoid doing wrong. Our Master demands that we should always do and be what is right. When we fail in some sudden demand, it is because we have omitted to put on some trait of Christ, which was intended to be the complement of our need. Let us therefore day by day say: “Lord Jesus, wrap Thyself around me, that I may go forth, adequately attired to meet life’s demands.” In Christ for standing; Christ in us, for life; we with him, for safety.”

MAY THE MIND OF CHRIST, MY SAVIOR

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
Live in me from day to day,
By his love and pow’r controlling
All I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through his pow’r.

May the peace of God, my Father,
Rule my life in ev’rything,
That I may be calm to comfort
Sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
As the waters fill the sea.
Him exalting, self abasing:
This is victory.

May we run the race before us,
Strong and brave to face the foe,
Looking only unto Jesus
As we onward go.

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Author: looking2jesus13

Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces. Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon. Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries. After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year. Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley. International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith. Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully. Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.

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