For those of us unfamiliar with fashion blogging or Instagram influencers who share style tips, let me get straight to it: #OOTD is an abbreviation for “Outfit of the Day.” While I have seen that hashtag on social media, I still needed to look it up for this article as fashion is definitely not my thing. My “OOTD” ranges from yawn-worthy sweatpants to benignly blah blue jeans.

So, why is this writer speaking about fashion when she is obviously unqualified for the task? There is a sound reason for it. I think.

My husband and I recently inherited a charming old mirror from his great-aunt. The mirror stands over six feet high and the frame is made of ornately carved wood. It occupies substantial real estate in our apartment, a fact I didn’t consider when I saw the mirror in its original environment, a two-story bungalow with high ceilings and cavernous interiors. But with some refurbishing and polishing, I think the mirror will find a comfortable new home in our apartment.

The mirror has another interesting facet to it. Painted on the top of the wooden frame are the words, “Are you dressed correctly?” There’s a story behind that. My husband’s great aunt’s home was rented out to the National Cadet Corps (NCC) of India a few years after her passing. The renters had the words painted on top of the mirror so they could be reminded that all aspects of their uniform were in place before they headed out. A little online research reveals that the NCC uniform includes several bits and bobs including berets, neck scarves, shoulder lapels, sashes, and ankle coverings.

While those words on the frame will be erased when we have the mirror refurbished, I do think it serves as a good reminder for me. When I put on my OOTD I want to check if I am dressed “correctly.” I don’t need to assess if I am dressed in a way that is “flattering” or if I look “trendy.” I don’t need to evaluate if I am “slaying it” with my style. I get plenty of those uncanvassed “suggestions” from the world.

But I would like to be dressed “correctly”—and my definition of that comes from Scripture.’

 

When we look in the mirror, perhaps in addition to our outer adornment, we can ask ourselves these important questions:

Am I rid of the filthy rags of self-righteousness? (Is 64:6)

Am I clothed in garments of salvation? (Is 61: 10)

Am I covered in His forgiveness? (Psalm 32:1)

Have I put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness? (Ephesians 4: 23)

 Am I dressed in the confidence that comes from God and not myself? (Jeremiah 17: 7)

 Do I carry the fragrance of Christ in the world? (2 Corinthians 2: 15)

 Am I wearing compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience? (Col 3: 12)

And over all these layers have I put on love? (Col 3: 14)

 Am I dressed in the confidence that comes from God and not myself? (Jeremiah 17: 7)

Now, that’s an #OOTD that is worth splurging on—but here’s the thing, it can’t be bought. It is a free gift, a makeover that Jesus gives us when we come to Him. When we give our hearts to Him, He changes us from the inside out.

It’s only when we are clothed in newness of life that Jesus gives us that we are truly walking in the fullness of life.

The next time you consider your particular fashion choices, remember Who fashioned you. He clothes you with an inner beauty that surpasses anything the world can offer. Now, go be that stunner that He created you to be.

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