Closet Clues

“Closet Clues”

By Susanne Scheppmann

Key Verse:

If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body.  Matthew 6:25 (MSG)

Devotion:

I discovered a lot about myself during a recent cleaning expedition of my clothes closet.  Blue stood out as my favorite color.  How could I own so many blue tops?  I found that somewhere in the recesses of my mind, I hold the fantasy I am going to fit into those size 10 jeans again.  I believe my favorite outfits might someday come back in style.  With a glance at the floor, I recall my husband suggesting, “You might be a shoe-oholic.”  

Spring-cleaning my closet became a safari of sorts. I separated.  I bagged and hauled out many worn, useless, too small, and hardly worn items. I sat down exhausted after finishing my cleaning mission. 

Then I asked myself, Why do I own so many clothing items that a full walk-in closet bursts at the seams?  Two answers settled in my mind—God’s blessings and my own self-indulgence.  

Starting today, I will attempt to put less value on my clothing and more significance on what I wear on the inside.  The Apostle Paul said, Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14 (NIV) 

In addition, I will purchase my clothes with more thought.  Do I need it?  Will I wear it?

If yes, I will remove one old item when I hang it in my closet.  Also enduring styles, not fads, will populate my wardrobe.  

Now I do love shoes, but I want to be a good steward of my money.  Most shoes I own don’t wear-out before they go out-of-fashion.   Again, Paul advises us on our footwear, For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News. Ephesians 6:15 (NLT).  Now he doesn’t infer I shouldn’t wear stylish shoes, only that I take into consideration what the true importance is in life.  So, I will determine a shoe budget and stick to it. Regardless of those strappy summer sandals on sale at the mall.  I will not listen to the urge to buy, even if they are cheap and adorable.  

Prayer:

Dear Lord, remind me of what is truly important in the big scheme of eternity.  Help me to be a wise steward of my money when I shop for clothes.  Lord, each morning remind me to clothe myself with humility and love, so that others see You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Application Steps   

Glance through your closet and then take notes on what your closet reveals about your personality and resources.  Mark a date on your calendar to give your clothes closet a thorough cleaning.  Then when the day arrives, sort into piles the items to keep, the items to donate and the items that need to be thrown away.  

© 2005 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.