Maturity Is Defined by What We Wear
Every morning we make a choice of what clothes to pull out of the closet (or the hamper?) and put on to present ourselves to the world. When you were really young, your mom probably chose what she wanted to present to the world by choosing a cute little dress if you were a little girl or a sports outfit if you were a little boy. But as we grow up we get to make the choice of what we want to wear.
So what have you put on this morning and what does it say about you…especially as a Christian? Briefly, our spiritual maturity can be shown in how we present ourselves with clothing and attire that reflect our Christian heart and values – those choices are important too. There certainly are pieces of clothing or styles of clothing that better reflect Christian values and modesty than others. Use your wisdom in choosing these for your wardrobe.
However, I am talking more about what we wear spiritually every day. Here are four verses of Scripture for you to consider as you decide what to “wear” as a Christian today.
Romans 13:12-14 So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.*
Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.*
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.*
Colossians 3:12-14 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.*
Reflect on these questions: What do I need to take OFF each day to better reflect Christ? What, with God’s help can I PUT ON to better reflect Christ to the world?
Perhaps just start with one little change in your “spiritual wardrobe”…what will it be today?
Respond to this email or make a comment on the blog post so we can pray for one another as we seek to “Grow Up!” and put on the Lord Jesus Christ more fully each day!
*Scripture verses are quoted from: The New International Version. (2011). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.