How many times have we stood, looking into our closets, trying to decide what we were going to wear? Maybe it was for a special event, or perhaps a casual gathering with friends, but nonetheless, we wanted to wear just the right thing. We wanted to dress appropriately. We wanted to dress in a way that was suitable or fitting for the occasion.
Similarly, as believers in Christ, there are certain things that we should be wearing … and things we should not be wearing! Today – I am not referring to physical clothing … the clothing woven and fashioned here on earth. I am referring to “spiritual” clothing … “clothing” implicitly fashioned to reflect our living Lord. As Christians, we should be “dressed appropriately.” We should be “dressed” in a suitable and fitting way. A reading of Colossians 3 will explain these thoughts.
Colossians 3:12 says:
Therefore, as the elect (chosen) of God, holy and beloved, put on …
There are certain things that we should be “wearing”… because we belong to Him … because we are chosen by Him … because we are holy, set apart unto Him … because we are beloved by Him. There is a beautiful “wardrobe” that we should be wearing. But before we examine those garments piece by piece, let’s understand the overall significance of this “putting off” and “putting on.”
Colossians 3:9-10 says:
… since you have put off the old man (person) with his deeds, and have put on the new man (person) who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, …
We have put off the old person (with her behaviors) that we were before salvation, and we have put on the new person that we are in Christ. Do not miss the phrase according to the image of Him who created him.
The new person that we are created to be in Christ is according to His image. We are being conformed to the image of Christ. If you recall, in Genesis, God did create mankind in His own image. That image was lost at the Fall. Sin entered the heart of man, and man spiritually died.
In salvation, because of Jesus Christ, God makes us alive as we are born again into a spiritual birth, and are once again being renewed in His image. That is why the old, torn, tattered, and filthy “garments” referred to in verses 5-8 must be put off (literally, stripped off) and be wholly laid aside. They have no part of His image.
That is also why the beautiful “garments” referred to in verses 12-25 are to be graciously put on. Those are “garments” of His image. They reflect Him. A Christian wearing such garments will be “dressed appropriately” to bring glory to her Lord.
You may study in Colossians, comparing the sinful and fleshly deeds of our old person (that must be put off) and the beautiful qualities of the new person (that are to be put on), but I humbly submit to you this truth to ponder … being renewed … according to His image.
If we desire to bring glory to Him, we must reflect Him as He is. He desires us to reflect His image. And He wants to renew us according to His image. Then both within our homes, and outside of them, He will be reflected through us. How humbling!
Perhaps you feel a deep desire within your heart to reflect your Lord well. These “garments” cannot be purchased, nor can they be made by your own hands. The “garments” have already been provided and the Lord has chosen us to wear them. He knows us, yet we are chosen, holy, and beloved. He knows our weaknesses, yet we are chosen, holy, and beloved. And He is renewing us in knowledge, according to His image. Do you want to be “dressed appropriately”? Do you want to be “dressed” in a suitable and fitting way? He will help you.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. … Hebrews 4:14-16
He will clothe you at the throne of grace.
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness … Isaiah 61:10
Wisdom and Kindness 
God has certainly given you His way with words. Going to my physical closet will never again be the same. I remembered when it was new and empty, and then with my own hands, I “cluttered it”. When I ran out of space, I filled a second and a third.
This writing has caused me to “ponder “and reflect on many things. I found that the clothing in my Spiritual closet had become filled over the years. Some things with my own hands; Bible studies, readings, retreats, group times and on and on. These places were wonderful and I gathered truths, and more truths. But then came these questions…how have I been applying the truths God gave to me? Did I dress up in them? and what was my appearance like? Am I even putting them on?
It was time to read through this writing again, and then slowly again. There is so much to ponder. This writing is indeed humbling.
I thank God for reminding me that he understands my weaknesses, and that He will cloth me.
Donna, if these writings are so heart searching to me, I can only imagine what they are doing to you. I am reminded of the Words from 2Timothy 3:17, and a comment from “humbled” by David Mathis”.
Before God’s words work through writers, they work in them as Christians.
Now to your question:
Do you want to be “dressed appropriately”? Do you want to be “dressed” in a suitable and fitting way?
My answer is “Yes, Lord”
I pray for you as you continue to write and for my sisters in the Lord as they grow through your writings. May God help us to encourage each other.
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