Proverbs 31:21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
According to a MasterClass article, smart-casual is a dress code that combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire—semi-formal blouses, polo shirts, button-downs, chinos, dress pants, dark-wash jeans, and polished, practical footwear. Corporate dress code has moved away from suits and ties to smart-casual attire which is more comfortable while still being professional. The smart-casual dress code offers a balance between casual and formal wear.
Metaphorically the corporate smart-casual dress code is essential for our spiritual man as well. “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” (Rom. 13:14). The nature of our inner man does not change automatically under the canopy of the church. “Just because you go to church doesn’t mean you’re a Christian. I can go sit in the garage all day and it doesn’t make me a car” – Joyce Meyer. We have to intentionally, consciously and deliberately put on the nature of Christ. When our instinct says to react in fury, we must put on patience. If the normal human reaction would be fear and fret, choose to put on faith. When the world responds in squirm, shame and struggle choose to remain plausible and perseverant. Christ-like nature does not weave into our nature automatically. We must purposefully endeavor to emanate the nature of Christ.
Proverbs 31 uses a virtuous woman as a perfect example to accentuate the prototype of Christ-likeness. This chapter is not just relevant to woman. It is for every child of God.
Lessons from the virtuous woman:
1. Snow: Snow, cold temperature and dry air that draws moisture away from the skin can lead to cracks and bleeding skin. Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis flare up during cold winter months. The virtuous woman is prepared for the harsh winter months. Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). Put on the woolly hat of holiness, the scarf of discretion, the warm sweater of faith and the boots of peace against cold and callous attacks. When cold brutality strikes, a well-dressed person will not suffer head cold or shivers.
2. Scarlet: The virtuous woman clothes her family with scarlet. What has bright red colour to do with cold weather? Scarlet allegorically represents “the blood of Jesus”. In harsh circumstances and unforeseen crisis, apply the blood over your family. The protection of the scarlet clothing over your family will dissipate all the fear of the future.
3. Smart-Casual: It is very important to dress our inner man every day in order to be an overcomer. Scarlet dye was of great importance in Ancient culture. Scarlet was expensive wool in Medieval Europe that was used for ceremonial and purification purposes. Spiritual smart-casual covering every morning would be to cover our soul with the blood of Jesus that protects, purifies and cleanses our mind.
Dress in smart-casual scarlet wool every day.
Ephesians 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I put on the scarlet wool of your sacred blood and defeat condemnation and overcome crucible circumstances and challenges. Make me more like you. Amen
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