With warmer days and summer around the corner, one of my spring rituals is putting away the winter coats and sweaters for another year, and bringing out the short-sleeved shirts and shorts.
Many of us give much care to the upkeep and choosing of clothes. And surely we wouldn’t consider going out into the world without clothes on!
Yet as we begin each new day, how often do we venture out without putting on our spiritual clothes—the presence of Christ?
And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes. (Galatians 3:27 NLT)
Each new morning, the sooner we “put on” Christ by communicating with Him, the better equipped we are for the day at hand.
Romans also exhorts us to “clothe” ourselves with Christ’s presence:
The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy.
Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. (Romans 13:12-14 NLT)
For any Christ-follower, it is imperative that we set our heart’s focus on Him daily—spending time in God’s Word and prayer; being mindful of His presence throughout the day, as He brings His word to our minds.
Just as we wouldn’t think of wearing a bikini in a snowstorm or a winter parka on a 90-degree day, it’s worth considering the spiritual clothes we are habitually reaching for.
Are we quenching the longing for God in our hearts with busyness, food, TV, social media, shopping, or another person?
Are we “putting on “ the wrong clothes?
In every detail of life, God promises us His presence. He tells us He will never leave us or forsake us.
In His presence, peace comes upon us and our ears open to hear His voice.
Today, He is inviting you to still your heart in His presence so He may prepare you for the day.
What spiritual clothes will you put on?
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