Scripture Reading
Read Colossians 3:1-17
Colossians 3:12. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:17. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Galatians 3:27. for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
1 Peter 5:5. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
Culture Reading
Read in Culture Smart: Kenya, Chapter 4, p. 82-88
Kenyans love to dress up for events. And leaders are expected to set the standard. Politicians, teachers, police, business professionals all are expected to dress the part for their industry—in Western-style clothing.
Kenyans find creative ways to get around the poverty. You will notice that they find thrifty ways to dress for any occasion. Also note that most Kenyans do not have multiple outfits—but they do have scarves or covers that can modify any outfit.
Devotional Thought
Shakespeare once wrote “Apparel oft proclaims the man” (Hamlet) in reference to the connection between clothing and social status. The modern phrase “Clothes make the man” has its roots in this cultural reflection, which may go all the way back to ancient Greco-Roman writings on status and style. People intuitively know how to evaluate power and value based on an initial impression.
However, we have also developed the phrase “Do not judge a book by its cover” because our initial impressions can often be short-sighted. And know this: just as we judge based on appearance, so will our hosts.
What impression will you give when you meet our hosts for the first time? After more than a day in airplanes and airports, it will not be your best impression I am sure. But this is not the only “first impression” you will make. You will meet teachers, families, church members, tour guides, hotel staff, restaurant workers, security guards, and fellow travelers. What will they think of us when they meet us for the first time?
This is made even more challenging by the cultural and language differences we will encounter. Our timing will be off. Our digestive systems will be off. Our life rhythms will be off. And this is where we find the greatest opportunity and freedom to serve. We will be free of the normal expectations of life—and thus we can be free to serve when called upon.
So, as you prepare for the trip, keep in mind that your clothing and attitude communicate to those around you. We are Americans, and we do not have to hide that. But we are also teachers—and we need to represent our profession well. We are principals and pastors, so we need to represent our authority in culturally appropriate ways. And we are Christians who need to represent the Father to our Christians brothers and sisters in spiritually and culturally appropriate ways. Praise to God! He has provided us with the spiritual covering we need to be his ambassadors. Let us pack the right “clothing” so that we may represent Christ in every circumstance.
Reflection and Prayer
Thank God for the new life we have in Christ!
Pray that God will provide insight into the various groups we will encounter.
Pray that God will help you let go of the items you do not need for this journey.
Pray that God will help you remember to pack all of the items you do need for the journey—including your passport, visa, shot records, Bible, course materials, and a spiritually-focused “good” attitude.
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