What’s In Your Closet?

Do you ever look in your closet and can’t find anything to wear? You have lots of clothes, but nothing seems to work today? Or maybe you’ve seen articles about the 10- or 20-piece wardrobe that works for every need: casual, sports, work, and evening. Sounds great, but it never quite works for you.

Here’s the good news. God has a special closet of clothes for us. His clothes never go out of style, need repair, or fail to fit perfectly, no matter the time, size, or age. Best part—they are free to us. The apostle Paul describes them in Colossians 3:12-14. He tells us to “put on (clothe yourself with) a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. And beyond these things, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

What Does it Mean to Put On Christ?

In Ephesians 4:24, we are told to put on the new self. We have a new self when we trust Jesus as our savior.  We have new spiritual clothes to wear. In fact, we are told to lay aside or take off the old self (the old clothes). II Corinthians 5:17 assures us, “If anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come). Isn’t this great news?

I hope you remember to put on all the new clothes provided to you through faith in Jesus, daily and intentionally. They are free to you when you accept Him as your Savior. He paid for them in full by His death on the cross and proved His payment was valid by His resurrection from the dead.

The Full Armor of God

Today, remember to take off the old and put on the new, fresh clothes of Jesus, which always include love and kindness. You only need to pick them up, thank Him, and put them on. And whatever you do, don’t forget the final covering—God’s armor as described in Ephesians 6:10-20. The apostle Paul implores us to put on the FULL armor, not just part of it. In fact, Paul tells us twice to PUT ON THE FULL ARMOR of GOD. Why? So we can stand firm against the devil’s schemes and resist the evil day by doing everything to stand firm. His armor isn’t heavy, but it will protect you and keep you strong in the Lord: in the strength of His might, not yours.

So, the next time you look in your closet and think, “I have nothing to wear,” remember the perfect outfit is God’s clothing, not the world’s. You will look great. And others will be blessed by your beautiful outfit. You will always be appropriately dressed for any occasion.

Blessings,

Personal Parable Practices

• Am I more concerned about my physical wardrobe than my spiritual clothes?
• When I look in the mirror is my countenance reflecting the love of Jesus?
• How can I remind myself to put on the full armor of God daily?

Pray with Me

Lord Jesus, thank you for providing the perfect clothing. You clothe me with your love, kindness and righteousness.  Each piece is beautiful and brings joy to my heart and others when I faithfully wear them. Thank you for the protection of your strong armor that gives me the strength to walk in truth and faith. Amen.

Scripture for Meditation

Romans 13:14 (NIV) – Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Galatians 3:27 (NIV) – For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

Music for Reflection