Keep Your Clothes On!

Clothe yourselves therefore, as God’s own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), [who are] purified and holy and well-beloved [by God Himself, by putting on behavior marked by] tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, [and] patience [which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper]–Colossians 3:12 AMP

When I was in college I became well acquainted with pulling all nighters, especially during the season of mid-terms and final exams. Most times I was alone, once in a while I buddied up with roommates and friends who were also in the middle of their own all night session, but no matter which way it all went the end result was the same; sleep deprivation, a seemingly endless mental fog, and an exam that may or may not have been passed by the “hairs on my chinny chin chin.” And always coupled with these all nighters was a dream..no! nightmare shared by countless students from all points of the globe…the dream in which I show up for class to take my exam dressed in my pajamas!

I laugh now but twenty years ago this dream left me rattled. I can still see myself at the front of the class, my hair looking like a wet Koosh ball, raccoon eyes from not taking off my makeup before falling asleep, Roger Rabbit bedroom slippers on my feet and cotton soft pajamas bearing the whimsical images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse clothed my younger and slightly hysterical frame. There I was at my desk with pencils that had been chewed down to stubs, pens leaking everywhere, and a test booklet which looked more like a phone book from the greater Detroit area. I’m not exactly the picture of success in this scenario. Unless there was a special circumstance, such as Spirit Week where everyone was given a day to wear pajamas and the like, how many of us would deliberately go through our day like this?

Let’s be honest; most of us take a great deal of time and thought into what we put on for the day. We check our weather apps to make sure our ensemble is appropriate. Does what we wear match our shoes? Our jewelry? Is it clean? Does it fit? Do we like the way we look in it? Do we like the way we feel in it? And so it goes. Along with attractiveness, style, and appeal, our outer clothing also protects our bodies; during the summer months we dress to stay cool and when the chill of winter sets in we dress for warmth. Our outer set of clothing is approached and handled with exactness and great care; we wouldn’t think of setting foot out in public dressed inadequately or inappropriately. What then do we say for the other set of clothing we possess? The spiritual clothing? How many know of such clothing? How many of us are dressed to the nines in the natural while in the spirit we stand naked and shivering?

Scripture speaks openly of spiritual clothing. Ephesians chapter 6 calls it the armor of God. The shoes of peace, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith. These things we are to put on that we may stand against the enemy. Colossians 3:14 tells us  “above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].” Romans 13:14 admonishes us to “clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah)..”  Even Job, in the midst of his affliction, says, “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me or clothed itself with me; my justice was like a robe and a turban or a diadem or a crown!” (Job 29:14)

Just as the outer clothing covers and shields us against the elements when they come (and they will and do come) , the spiritual clothing also is a shield and covering. It is strength and protection. We cannot stop the elements in the natural from occurring anymore than we can avoid them. We cannot stop having problems, times of affliction, or periods of darkness in our circumstances. As with the natural these things will happen. Jesus told His disciples in this life they WOULD know suffering, tribulation, and distress (John 16:33). He followed this promise with another: “but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”.

How are you dressed in the spirit today? Do you spend more time on the outer clothing than on the spiritual?

Devotional Time

Take some time to read and meditate on Colossians chapter 3, specifically verses 14-17.  As you read, take a moment to reflect also on Romans 13:14, Job 29:14, and John 16:33. Ask Him to help you with any areas of “putting on” that may need an extra touch from Him i.e. love, peace, righteousness, etc. And then allow Him to help you in these areas!