The temperatures have dropped and although we are
still far from the frigid weather of winter, I have found myself standing in
front of the closet searching for my warmer clothing. Long sleeves and sweaters
are the objects of the search. It’s time to bring out the matching layers that
will ensure warmth and comfort during the months ahead.
Because we are aware of and prepared for the winter
months to come, closets contain the appropriate clothing. It may cause placing some
of the summer articles into drawers or boxes to make room for warmer apparel,
but this clothing is available as needed. Warmer coats brought out and the lighter
outerwear of spring and summer are put away for the next several months. This
is simply a part of living in Wisconsin. One must be prepared for the weather
of all four, distinct seasons.
We have a spiritual closet that we stand before each
day, making very similar choices. What is the appropriate clothing to wear
today? In Scripture we are given some very specific guidelines on how the
believer is to dress. “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) These qualities, our spiritual articles of clothing,
are provided for us because our relationship with Jesus. “For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual
union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on
(clothed yourselves with) Christ.” (Galatians 3:27 AMP)
Upon arising we must take off our pajamas in order to
put on our chosen apparel for the day. Likewise, we must also take off the garments
that were worn when we were spiritually asleep and unaware of God’s provision
and plan for us. “Strip yourselves of
your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which
characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from
delusion; And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a
fresh mental and spiritual attitude], And put on the new nature (the regenerate
self) created in God's image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians
4:22-24 AMP) Our natures are new and so is our clothing. “And
have clothed yourselves with the new [spiritual self], which is [ever in the
process of being] renewed and
remolded into [fuller and more perfect knowledge upon] knowledge after the
image (the likeness) of Him Who created It.” (Colossians 3:10 AMP)
Our clothing perfectly complements the new character that is being molded
daily.
As believers in Jesus Christ, we have been given entire
new wardrobes from which to select our clothing. Old garments that represent
our old ways of thinking has been replaced by our Heavenly Father. Regardless
of any situation that we may find ourselves in, we can always turn from our old
ways of reacting and put on these new garments. “To grant [consolation and joy] to
those who mourn in Zion—to
give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil
of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a
heavy, burdened, and failing
spirit…” (Isaiah 61:3a AMP) The layers of beauty, joy and
praise create a beautifully coordinated outfit. We have been completely transformed
and now have a new wardrobe from which to dress daily. “Therefore
if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a
new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has
passed away. Behold, the fresh and
new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP)
If there is one favorite item of clothing that should
be worn over and over again it is love. “And
above all these [put on] love and
enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together
completely in ideal harmony].” (Colossians 3:14 AMP) In order to fulfill
all the commands of love God has also clothed us with power. “And behold, I will send forth upon you
what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are
clothed with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49 AMP) We have all we need to
face every season of life.
Choose wisely what you wear today. Put on the
qualities that reflect the new nature that God is continually developing and
you.
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