Wear What Matters Most

Wear What Matters Most

Author: Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas April 26, 2026 Duration: 31:03

Rev. Dr. Abe Smith | Tap/click here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.

In this week’s sermon, we are reminded that what we “wear” spiritually matters far more than the clothes we put on physically. While outward appearance may shape how others see us, our inner identity shapes how we live, love, and treat people.

Drawing from Colossians 3, Paul challenges believers to put off the old self: anger, greed, lust, malice, and selfishness—and instead put on the character of Christ: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and, above all, love.

We learn that transformation does not begin with trying harder or becoming worthy enough for God. It begins with understanding that we are already deeply loved by God through Jesus Christ. When our identity is rooted in Christ rather than success, failure, approval, achievement, or past wounds, our lives begin to change from the inside out.

The message also highlights how easy it is to live from our old selves; pain, insecurity, disappointment, shame, or unresolved wounds can shape how we respond to others. But through Christ, we are invited into a new identity. We no longer have to wear the old clothes of fear, anger, or striving. Instead, we can clothe ourselves in the love of Christ and allow that love to shape every relationship and interaction.

Ultimately, the invitation is simple but life-changing: wear what matters most—love.


The HPUMC-Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship) podcast brings the weekly message from the contemporary worship service at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas directly to you. This isn't about dry theological lectures; it's about experiencing the energy and connection of a live service, where ancient scripture meets the complexities of modern life. Each episode features Bible-based preaching delivered with a relatable and modern voice, intentionally crafted to bridge the gap between Sunday and the rest of your week. You'll hear sermons that tackle real-world issues-faith, doubt, relationships, purpose, and social responsibility-with practical wisdom and spiritual depth. This audio extension of the Cornerstone service is for anyone seeking a thoughtful, engaging exploration of Christianity that feels both grounded and genuinely relevant. Whether you're a longtime believer, someone re-examining your spirituality, or simply curious, this podcast offers a consistent source of reflection and challenge from within a vibrant, believing community. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration that aims not just to inform, but to transform daily living through a contemporary lens on timeless truth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

HPUMC - Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship)
Podcast Episodes
Show Up [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:43
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. During difficult or trying seasons, there’s power in showing up. All of us are moved by stories of people who go beyond their own security and sense of comfort to show…
Eyes on the Risen Lord [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:48
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In the midst of suffering and tragedy, the example of Stephen in Acts 7:55–56 offers a profound glimpse of hope and perspective. As he faced death, Stephen, "full of th…
Word to the Wise: Wisdom, Strength, Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:42
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. We all face moments in life when we feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or simply unsure of what to do next. Whether it’s a major decision, a season of suffering, or a quiet s…
Word to the Wise: Look to Jesus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:35
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Have you ever asked, “Why am I going through this? What is God doing?” No matter the season we’re in, testing is inevitable. Some trials come from our own decisions; ot…
Word to the Wise: Wisdom From Above [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:11
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. All of us make decisions all the time. You make thousands of small decisions every day, a handful of important decisions every year, and a few truly life-altering decis…
Word to the Wise: Watch Your Words [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide Have you ever said something and immediately wished you hadn’t? If that’s you, you’re not alone. James, one of the letters in our New Testament, says, “You can tame a ti…
Word to the Wise: When Is "Enough" Enough? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:57
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. What is something you can never get enough of? We all have insatiable desires, and no matter how much we have or accumulate, we still want a little more. Not just more…
Word to the Wise: Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:07
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Have you ever experienced a moment when things didn’t work out the way you thought they would? You expected the situation to go one way, but it went in a totally differ…
Cultivate: Keep Cultivating [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:18
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide All year, we’ve explored what it looks like to cultivate a life with God, where the Holy Spirit grows good things in us and around us. You know the yield: love, joy, pea…
In the Middle of the Mess [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:33
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Family can be messy and complicated. In this week’s sermon, we look at the story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar in Genesis 16. Sarai tries to control God's timing, Abram go…