It was noon today before I remembered it was Halloween. I can’t say that was much of a loss, but I have to admit dressing up is fun once in a while, whether it’s for a costume or an evening out.

All of us dress up daily. If we didn’t, we’d be going around naked. We give thought to putting an outfit together and do our best to look good. Of course the emphasis is on our exterior, while the interior often gets ignored.

Scripture instructs us to “put on” an outfit described by God, one that will miraculously equip us to stand our ground against evil. The pieces of this invisible outfit are truth, righteousness, the Gospel, salvation and his word. Although these can’t be seen in a mirror, the results of wearing them leave positive impressions on those around us.

For all of us, what you see is not usually what you get. That’s because we can wear one thing on the outside and another on the inside. Sadly, they can be polar opposites. We can fool almost everyone about who we really are.

Anyone, that is, except God, who can never be fooled.

Stacy London and Clinton Kelly are pros at telling people “What Not to Wear.” They have a TV program by that name, offering fashion makeovers to those they feel don’t know how to look their best. Although they’re good at putting flattering outfits together, their counsel stops at their 360 degree mirror.

God, on the other hand, could host a program telling people what not to wear on the inside. Actually, he doesn’t need a show, since he’s already detailed his advice in the Bible. Internal fashion doesn’t change with the seasons or years. It works century to century.

His first bit of counsel is that we are not to worry about external fashion but grow in faith that he’ll give us everything we need, in the clothing category and all others. Being able to trust him for those externals is a sure sign our internals are looking good, too.

It wears well if we meditate on the truth of his Word and pour out gratitude for our salvation. He also tells us we’re to mimic his garment of righteousness and be grateful for the spiritual gifts he’s given us. And for accessories he says, “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)

As far as wardrobes go, Stacy and Clinton’s pricey fashion purchases will one day wear out and need replacing, but God’s wardrobe is free of charge and lasts forever. And once we put on his internal outfit, we won’t stress as easily about the one we’re wearing on the outside.

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)