One of the most exciting times for an athlete is when their team gets new gear to wear — a new uniform, team sweats, team shoes or pre-game warm-up outfit. In new gear, the step seems quicker, the jumps a little higher. For some reason, it makes you feel better as an athlete. I remember those days as a player, and even when I ordered new things as a coach it was always fun. Outerwear, however, does not make the player different. It is what is on the inside that counts.

As followers of Jesus Christ, Paul challenges us to be clothed differently. He wants us to consider being clothed with new spiritual threads. As we get ready each day, we need to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. We might not look any different on the outside, but what a change will there be on the inside. These qualities will make anyone look remarkably different on a spiritual level.

So, athlete, what is in your spiritual locker? The new uniform may make you look better on the outside, but are you different where it counts? How about you, coach? Are you putting on a new pullover to hide the anger and bitterness in your heart? Consider Paul's challenge today to put on new gear. Slide out of the old and put on the new spiritual threads of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You might just like what you see, on and off the field, floor or court.