Slow-Fashioned Grace

<p>Have you heard of #slowfashion? The hashtag captures a movement focused on resisting &ldquo;fast fashion&rdquo;&mdash;an industry dominated by cheaply made and quickly disposed of clothes. In fast fashion, clothes are out of style nearly as quickly as they&rsquo;re in the stores&mdash;with some brands disposing of large quantities of their products every year.</p> <p>The slow fashion movement encourages people to slow down and take a different approach. Instead of being driven by the need to always have the latest look, slow fashion encourages us to select fewer well-made and ethically sourced items that will last. &nbsp;</p> <p>As I reflected on #slowfashion&rsquo;s invitation, I found myself wondering about other ways I fall into a &ldquo;fast fashion&rdquo; way of thinking&mdash;always looking for fulfillment in the latest trend. In Colossians 3, however, Paul says finding true transformation in Jesus isn&rsquo;t a quick fix or a fad. It&rsquo;s a lifetime of quiet, gradual transformation in Christ. &nbsp;</p> <p>Instead of needing to clothe ourselves with the world&rsquo;s latest status symbols, we can exchange our striving for the Spirit&rsquo;s clothing of &ldquo;compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience&rdquo; (v.12). We can learn patience with each other on the slow journey of Christ transforming our hearts&mdash;a journey that leads to lasting peace (v. 15).</p>