Kelly Minter's The Fitting Room is a study of seven virtues that reads like a casual conversation between good friends. Kelly's style is engaging, making this study an enjoyable trek from cover to cover. Though probably intended for a female audience, I found The Fitting Room edifying and applicable. The title suggests the approach to this verse. Just as a wardrobe can make a person, these essential Christian qualities make a mature follower of Christ.
Colossians 3:12 provides the structure for the fourteen chapters with two key additions:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with forgiveness, compassion, kindness, humility and patience.
Kelly adds peace and joy to Paul's list since those who are forgiven experience peace, and the "crowning virtue" is a life of joy once the preceding six are present. Christians who are forgiven and forgive will be at peace with God and others. From this life of peace proceeds kindness, humility, compassion and patience. Despite this subtle editing of Paul's list, the argument stands. Joyful living is the culmination of these virtues as they impact our key relationships with family, friends, and the world at large.
The first few chapters set the scene to avoid the traps of moralism and legalism. God's chosing of a holy and loved people are fundamental aspects of the journey. Chapters 2-4 establish the basic truth that God has initiated the relationship. His work precedes anything a Christian can or should do. Frustration and fatigue result from those who miss this starting point in God's gracious provision for us all.
And, before one can put on a glorious new outfit, in the spirit of Colossians 2:11, old, dirty clothes must be taken off. Chapter 5 specifies what needs to be removed and how it can be removed. Kelly uses a metaphor of Michelangelo's carving his masterpieces from stone to create beautiful statues for all to admire. The chiseling is a process that takes time and energy, but the final product garners attention, respect and admiration for the master's efforts. Such is the life in Christ.
The rest of the book offers one or two chapter analyses of each virtue listed. Kelly shares personal stories, inspirational vignettes and Scriptural insights regarding each one. Despite its comfortable feel, each virtue suggests challenging and life transforming aspects of the process.
This is a terrific Bible study resource for adult small groups. Discussion questions at the end of the book make it an easy tool for anyone to facilitate conversations. I highly recommend The Fitting Room and commend Kelly for her contribution to the study of my favorite New Testament book - Colossians.
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Thank you to the publisher for this review copy.
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