Put on Christ

Let's just get this out of the way up front: The book of Romans is one of my favorite books of the Bible, if not my favorite. The Apostle Paul has a way of weaving his words into a beautiful fabric of God's grace. I love Romans because I love GRACE, but despite the fact that it is an ever-present theme throughout, Paul lays down some fat theology. And the way he does it is easy for me to relate to...

Romans 13:14 - "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."

Paul gives the image of putting on Jesus as an article of clothing. (This is one of those instances where there can be no debate as to whether the Scripture should be interpreted figuratively or literally.) I think Paul chooses the analogy of clothes because it's something tactile that everyone can relate to because everyone wears clothes. Jesus should envelope us as our clothes do. Paul is suggesting that you should no sooner leave your house without putting on your tunic than you should leave your house without putting on Christ.

Ironically enough, I've been working at home long enough now (see: loss of regimen) that the other day I actually caught myself about to leave the house to head to the gym without a shirt. That instance aside, I don't typically leave the house without properly clothing myself so I have a socially acceptable physical appearance. But how often do I consider if my spiritual appearance is acceptable? I fear that sometimes my spiritual wardrobe is dirty, worn, and tattered. I go too long without doing my laundry and my soul needs cleansing.

But the great thing about God is that He's always available for laundry day. There's never a time when you can't go get cleaned up. God's laundromat is 24 x 7. And even better, it's FREE! The blood of Christ washes us pure as snow so we can stand before God a blameless saint. If we are clothed with Christ, there's no need to fear that we may be under-dressed for the occasion.

Going along with Paul's analogy, and without trying to sound vain or shallow, appearances do matter. It may not be the be-all and end-all, but it would be naive to suggest otherwise. The truth is, people notice clothes. If they didn't, there wouldn't be much of a fashion industry. Put a nice suit on a man and it transforms him instantly. Mark Twain said, "Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. "

In light of Scripture, and to go beyond mere physical appearances, I would say instead: "Clothing oneself with Christ makes the man. Naked Christians have little or no influence on society."