When you pack to go on a trip, there are always a variety of garments that you need to pack, depending on the trip and the plans for each trip. You usually need to think ahead and then plan accordingly.
When you are packing to go to heaven, there are specific garments that God tells you that you need, and then other garments that God tells you that you do not need. You definitely need to think ahead, decide how important it is to you to reach your destination of heaven, and then plan your daily wardrobe accordingly.
Look at how the apostle Paul discusses this very subject in Colossians 3. He urges the Christians to set their sights on “those things which are above” in heaven (3:1-2), and reminds them of their ultimate goal to “appear with [Christ] in glory” (3:4). In order for that to happen, he tells them that there are some fleshly garments that must be “put off” (3:8-11). In fact, he urges them to not only “put off” certain garments but to “put to death” and bury them (3:5-7). Then, having rid themselves of those “old man” garments, there are some “new man” garments with which they must immediately be clothed. Since they are “the elect of God” and “holy” and “beloved” in His sight, these are the things they will want to “put on” (3:12-14).
“Put on tender mercies.” Every Christian needs a heart of pity and compassion for others, as Jesus did (Matt. 9:36). Put it on.
“Put on kindness.” Every Christian needs to bear the kindness of Jesus (Eph. 4:32; 2:7). Put it on.
“Put on humility.” Every Christian needs to possess a lowliness of mind like Jesus (Phil. 2:3-5). Put it on.
“Put on meekness.” Every Christian needs the gentleness of Jesus (Matt. 11:28-30). Put it on.
“Put on longsuffering.” Every Christian needs the patience of Jesus (2 Pet. 3:9). Put it on.
“Put on tolerance.” Every Christian needs to bear with others like Jesus (Rom. 3:25). Put it on.
“Put on forgiveness.” Every Christian needs to forgive others like Jesus (Eph. 4:32). Put it on.
“Put on love.” Every Christian needs to unselfishly, unconditionally and sacrificially put the needs of others above His own, just like Jesus (1 John 3:16). Put it on.
There is not one piece of Christian clothing here that is optional! And, it is not sufficient to merely have these in your wardrobe—you must have them “on” constantly! If you’re planning a trip to heaven to be with Jesus for all of eternity, you need to make sure that you’re clothed like Him.
