The other day I was running late to class and I glanced down
at my clothes. A big hole was in my favorite work pants and a tear in the
sleeve of one of my shirts.
I groaned and quickly had to go back and change.
Later in the day, I examined many of my clothes and well,
let’s just say, I needed to go shopping for some new clothes.
We all like new clothes, don’t we?
I remember when my sister and I were growing up- my parents
would take us shopping for school clothes. We loved that time!
I had the privilege of being part of a wedding here several
months ago, and trying on new clean and pretty clothes made me feel like
royalty. New clothes are so nice!
The environment here in Ethiopia is tough on clothes. You
get rips, tears, stains so easily. All
of this had me thinking about clothes the past few weeks and how I need to get
some new ones.
Interestingly enough, as usual, God also had something to
speak to me along those lines.
What do I “wear” that people see? Not actual clothes- but what
does my mood, my attitude, my behavior, my words and actions, show to others?
What do I “wear” that people see and why does it matter?
First of all, God reminded me that there is an “old
identity” -one without Him and of the past. The dirt, stains, guilt and sin-
are part of the OLD identity. But I have NEW clothes to wear, CLEAN clothes. An
identity that has been given to me thanks to Jesus- where I can live and walk
FREE from the penalty of sin. I can approach God clean and holy before Him,
because I’ve been wrapped in the identity and righteousness of Jesus
Christ. My sins are forgiven. What amazing
clothes these are, beyond my ability to buy. We have CLEAN clothes to wear, a
kingdom identity we can have and live into.
How often though, do we forget this identity we’ve been
given. We don’t wear it. We don’t embrace it. We put on the past, the old
clothes, and let that define us now.
May we put on the NEW and live in the NEW. We have a new wardrobe. A stunning one!!!!
Isaiah 61:10
I delight greatly
in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For He has clothed me with garments of
salvation and arrayed me in a robe of His righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns
his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with jewels.
1 Corinthians
1:30
In Christ Jesus is our
righteousness, holiness, and redemption…
2 Corinthians
5:21
God made Him who
had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness
of God.
2 Corinthians
5:17
Therefore, if
anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is
here!
And God had more to tell me. When I’m living in this new
identity as a child of God, I also have other things that should show
through. Clothes I can wear that I have
access too.
Colossians
3:12-14
Therefore, as God’s
chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one
another…Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all of these put on love,
which binds them all together in perfect unity.
But some days, many days, I don’t wear these things. Why?
And where can I get these clothes to put on?
If I need more compassion, where can I buy a compassion
t-shirt? If I need humility or to give forgiveness, where is the store to get those at?
God has been reminding that HE IS the source, the
storehouse. All of these clothes come from being WITH Him. It’s simple.
As you spend time with Him, He pours Himself into you and
you’re changed from the inside out. From the overflow of the heart the mouth
speaks. As you’re with Him, your clothes
change. You change.
John 15
Remain in me, I am
the vine, you are the branches…
As maybe you switch clothing in the days ahead to adjust to
the seasons shifting or as you spring clean your closets, think about what
things you wear…that others see.
How are your words? How are your actions? Do they reflect a
connection with God- who is love, compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness?
These are the “clothes” the world needs to see, more than the latest style. It
matters. Why?
People need God. You’re an image bearer of the Almighty. You
have the ability to reflect A Savior.
One of my seminary students this week talked about that. He
said “we’re called the light of the world. It’s like the sun and the moon. The
moon can only shine by reflecting the light that it gets from the sun. We’re
like the moon, we can only shine the light we get from God.”
May we go to the source of all we need. May we remain in Him
and be with Him. May our “clothes” reflect this relationship to the world!
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so
shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in
heaven.
Prayer Requests
-This is finals week at the seminary I teach at. Please pray
for students as they finish final exams and papers. I will be turning in grades
in the next week. It has been a great honor to teach two courses and one
independent study course this semester. May God continue to build the church in
Ethiopia.
-Classes at Hope College continue. My classes are still
large and wisdom is needed in teaching. Please keep those in prayer.
-Please keep my family in prayer. My parents in Ohio are
doing great. My sister continues to serve in South Sudan. Please keep her (Noel) in prayer as their
season shifts from extremely hot to the rainy season. May God be her strength
and joy.
Thanks so much for all your prayers!
