Clothe Yourself With Christ

Today Sarah writes about putting on Christ. There is much said in Scripture about being clothed in righteousness and putting on that which is indicative of our living in a relationship with Jesus.  In John 15:4-5 we read, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

This is really what “putting on” is all about; living in constant dependence on Him with a constant awareness of His presence, His lordship in our lives, and His direction for our steps. In Ephesians 4:22-24 we are told to put off old things in lieu of the new as we come to understand God’s truth and His direction for our lives. In Ephesians 6:10-18 we are told to put on the full armor of God (Jesus Christ) so that we will be able to stand firm, realizing that our ability to live victoriously rests fully in being dressed and equipped fully in Christ and His Word.

In Galatians 3:27 we are told that if we have been baptized into Christ (saved) that we indeed have clothed ourselves with Christ. In Luke 24:49 we even read the instruction of Christ for his followers to remain until they are clothed with power from on high (the Holy Spirit), and in Galatians 5:16 we are told that if we walk by the Spirit we will not carry out the desires of the flesh. And this clothing we also read will keep us sealed (Ephesians 1:13) until such time that we are clothed with our building made in eternal in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:2-4).

Scripture is rich with teaching concerning our relationship with Christ, the constant working of the Spirit, and the power of the Word. Integral to all of these passages is how we walk in dependence on Him. It is here that we find fullness, direction, blessing, and even reward. It is here that we are pleasing to our God who gives us so much. One of my favorite passages describing this relationship and how this abiding relationship works its way out in our lives is Colossians 3:9-17:

Colossians 3:9-17 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young (5/27)

Seek My face at the beginning of your day. This practice enables you to “put Me on” and “wear Me” throughout the day. Most people put on clothes soon after arising from bed. Similarly, the sooner you “put Me on” by communicating with Me, the better prepared you are for whatever comes your way.

To “wear Me” is essentially to have My mind: to think My thoughts. Ask the Holy Spirit to control your thinking; be transformed by this renewal within you. Thus you are well equipped to face whatever people and situations I bring your way. Clothing your mind in Me is your best preparation for each day. This discipline brings Joy and Peace to you and those around you.

When You said, “seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8 (NKJV)

Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Romans 13:14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12