Rags or Riches?

My Child, what do your words and actions clothe people with? Rags or Riches?

In Acts, Lydia is described as a worshipper of God, who responded immediately to the Gospel of Peace. She was a trader in the same kind of purple cloth that adorned the Temple, High Priests, Dignitaries and Royalty. Lydia knew how to dress people with Honor and Authority! When she became a believer, her response was to use this gift for my kingdom and clothe people with their God-given identity. Consequently, guests left her presence literally looking and feeling like Royalty! Through Lydia’s hospitality, Paul and his companions had a base from which to evangelise and the early church believers had a regular meeting place. As a result, the Gospel spread throughout the whole region! Now that’s fruit!

So today, Beloved, consider the impact of your words and actions on those around you. Choose to dress people up, not dress them down. Be a person who sees people through my eyes not the enemies lies, and clothe them in their God-given identity!

Activation: Take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there is anything you need to change in order to bring your words and actions in line with God’s perspective of people. Then ask him if there is a person or group of people that he would like you to particularly spend time with and also how he would like you to encourage them. Arrange a meeting!

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Acts 16:14-15 (AMP)

A woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a dealer in purple fabric, who was [already] a worshipper of God, listened to us; and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention and to respond to the things said by Paul. And when she was baptised, along with her household, she pleaded with us saying, “If you have judged me and decided that I am faithful to the Lord [true believer], come to my house and stay.” And she persuaded us.