The Perfect Thing To Wear

Do you give a lot of thought to what you put on in the morning? People are different in this regard. Some people don’t like to spend time fussing over what they are going to where every day so they make an attempt to keep their wardrobe simple and functional. Others spend a great deal of time and effort to wear just the right thing each day—sometimes even changing clothes throughout the day if the activities warrant it.

I’ll admit that I tend to fit more into the “fuss over what you are going to wear” category. I have a hard time packing for trips because I can’t foresee what I will feel comfortable wearing a certain day in the future. I know this seems incredibly silly to some, but nevertheless for some of us deciding what to wear every day is a little more of a challenge.

There is one thing I have discovered that is essential to put on everyday, however, that never goes out of style, is always necessary and that is the most valuable thing in my closet. It is my spiritual clothing. Now maybe this conjures up images in your mind of some kind of sacred garment that I keep in my closet, but that is not the case. This wardrobe is spiritual in nature but it can’t be stored in any closet. You can read about it in Ephesians 6.

Paul has just finished talking about living in the light. He is describing how to be a light worker in this world and how to live by the Spirit’s power. He is concluding his thoughts when he reminds us not to forget to get dressed every day. He says, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Wow, that is quite the outfit—a full-body armor—or a full covering of God’s righteousness! Peace, salvation, faith, and the words of God. I have been provided a complete wardrobe for my role as a light worker in the world. I don’t want to start the day without first getting dressed in the protection and love of God.

Did you notice who he said our enemy was? It is not a foreign power or even our difficult neighbor across the street—it is the forces of evil with the devil at their head. This is the type of clothing I need every day in order to be protected as God’s agent in the world. I have been provided with everything I need. God gives me peace in my heart, surrounds me with light, gives me a shield of faith—one I have developed by past experiences in trusting God, a knowledge of salvation and love, a mission of peace to the world, and a truth about the goodness of God. Notice that everything in my wardrobe is for my defense except for the sword. The one weapon I have against the devil is the word of God.

It is by studying the word of God that I develop an awareness of the truth about who God really is. This is what I can use to fight doubt, depression, discouragement, dis-ease, disillusionment, and death. The truth that God is a God of love is what gives me not only freedom, but also a weapon to ward off the things that the devil uses to discourage and disarm me.

When we see the dark things that happen in our world, it is easy to become discouraged and wonder if darkness will prevail. The reason the gospel is called the good news is that it is just that, we have the good news that God provided a means for the redemption of our world and He accomplished it through the power of Christ. That power is offered to us. We have not been left naked and without protection. God has provided everything we need for our redemption and restoration. I find this amazingly good news!

I access my new wardrobe through the Spirit. It is by inviting the Spirit into my heart to dwell there that I can put on my new wardrobe of light and protection. It is an amazing example of God as warrior (masculine) and God as protector (feminine). My redemption was secured by Christ living out both aspects perfectly so that my redemption is complete and perfect. He has delivered me from the devil’s power and restored me to a state of enlightened delight—a delight in the beauty and love of God.

What ever you decide to wear for the day, don’t forget the most important thing of all—God’s full-body armor of righteousness, peace, grace, love, and truth. Walk forth today fully clothed in God’s perfect wardrobe.

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