So, What Are You Going to Wear Today?

"But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." (Colossians 3:8-14).

     Every time you get ready to go somewhere, you have to make a decision what you will wear. You decide if you will where short sleeves or long sleeves. You decide if you will wear casual or dress clothes. You decide if you will wear dress slacks or blue jeans. You decide if you will wear a sweater or coat. You even decide which shoes you will wear. Usually, the choice is based on which clothes you like the best, which feels the most comfortable, which makes you look more attractive, and which clothes is suited for the occasion. This choice is made every day; sometimes several times a day.  If you were going to run in a race, you would not wear boots, a coat and blue jeans. If you were going to a job interview, you would not wear pajamas or a t-shirt. 

     In the Scripture listed above, we see some of the things we are instructed in the Word of God to put on.  We are told to put on the new man, mercy, kindness, humbleness, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness; but most of all charity, or love. This is not a full list, of course, but if we will put these on every day before we even leave our house, it would make a difference not only in our lives, but in the lives of those we come in contact with. Think about those things listed there. That looks a lot like the list that is found in Galatians 5:22-23:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

     When we put on these fruits in our lives, we become more like Christ. Our lives then become a witness to those around us. How often; however, do we leave our home each morning, and as the day goes, we become grumpy, hateful, spiteful, unforgiving, short-tempered, angry, impatient, prideful, or any other characteristic that is not of God?  This must mean we are not fully clothed by the Spirit of God at that time. 

 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"(Ephesians 6:10-18).

     Here is another list of what we should be putting on every day. This is referred to as the whole armor of God. This protects us from the enemy. If we fail to put this on, we are not protected, and become a target of the devil. He has easy access to us. Notice the last part of that passage. It mentions prayer. Prayer is such a vitally important part of our daily journey, but without doubt, the most neglected. We might offer up a quick "Lord, bless this food", or "Lord, help me", but do we truly pray? Do we truly reach the ears and heart of God with our prayers? Battles are won through prayer. Miracles are manifested through prayer. Strength is gained through prayer. Joy is found through prayer. Souls are saved through prayer. Barriers and walls come down through prayer. Victories are obtained through prayer. Prayer reaches the very heart of God. We are commanded to pray. It is not an option.

   Another garment that we are told to put on is found in Isaiah 61:3...

"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified"

    Praise is something most people don't do. They would rather grumble,complain, moan, gripe, get angry, pout, whine, fuss, stomp, snort, and throw a fit. We are to praise God in all things. God gives us the garment of praise, as we see in this verse, but if we leave it hanging in the closet, and choose not to wear it, then it does us no good. It's like a sweater that someone gives us that we don't like, so we never wear it. We keep it in the closet, but never wear it. God wants us to put this garment on. He loves for us to praise Him; even in bad times. He deserves our praise. He is worthy of our praise for He is a holy God, a mighty God, an awesome God. Praise Him...

    So, every day, all throughout the day and into the night, make it a priority to be clothed in the Spirit. Look at your life and see if you are failing to put on the proper garments. Wearing the wrong garments can be just as detremental. Make sure you are clothed with what God's Word tells you to be clothed with. 

Just as we have to launder and iron the garments in our closets, we must make sure and keep our Spiritual garments wrinkle free and spotless. 

"That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish."  (Ephesians 5:27).

So, What are you going to wear today? You have a choice. Choose wisely.