There is something to be said for looking sharp. Walking into Saturday evening service this weekend, my family had just come from taking professional photos. Extra effort went in to getting dressed up, knowing that we were creating a lasting image, a moment in time to be remembered. Tending to every detail so that our unity as a family popped off the page. Appearance mattered.
I observed my sons entering church, carrying themselves differently and interacting with intention. Walking with purpose and exuding confidence, they shook hands. It brought to mind something I heard long ago, “the clothes make the man.” Now, do I believe that to be true? No. However, I think there is a morsel of truth buried in that phrase.
Digging into scripture makes it obvious. We are called to put on the full armor of God in Ephesians 6:11. There is no room for half way attempts or fifty percent effort. Christians are to be detail oriented and purpose driven in wearing our faith. Truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, prayer and supplication clothe us. Without these we fall short. Poor preparation amidst spiritual warfare makes us easy pickins for satan. Clothed in Christ, we have protection from the enemy.
God’s word is filled with commands to put on and put off character traits like clothing. Bad habits such as lying, gossip, irritability and rudeness need to be put off. Once we’re a daughter or son of Jesus, we put on a new nature. As royal heirs to the throne, we are expected to dress like royalty from the inside out. It’s not enough to tend to our outward presentation and skip over our hearts intentions. Christ has a new definition of dressing for success, His own brand! He expects us to put on Him and to put off us. Clothed in Christ, our hearts and minds are transformed
Challenge time! Get dressed each morning this week in the Lord Jesus Christ. Be intentional to put Him on as you’re getting ready for your day. You are not wearing yourself or a ‘no name’ brand, you are the Lord’s.
Lessons on heavenly attire:
- Believers wear Christ to please God and avoid grieving the Holy Spirit.
- Believers wear Christ for protection from the devil.
- Believers wear Christ to show His love to the world.
- Believers wear Christ to show unity with each other.
- Believers wear Christ to be continually transformed and renewed.
Scripture references:
- “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (Romans 13:14, NKJV)
- “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, NKJV)
- “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:20-24)
- “Therefore, putting away lying, ‘Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,’ for we are members of one another ‘Be angry, and do not sin’ do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need . Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” (Ephesians 4: 25-31, NKJV)
- “Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid.” (Psalms 35:2, NLT)
- “Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” (Colossians 3:10, NLT)
- “And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” (Galatians 3:27, NLT)
