Read: Romans 13:11–14
Bible in a Year: Psalms 29–30; Acts 23:1–15
Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 13:14
In her book Wearing God, author Lauren Winner says our
clothes can silently communicate to others who we are. What we wear may
indicate career, community or identity, moods, or social status. Think
of a T-shirt with a slogan, a business suit, a uniform, or greasy jeans
and what they might reveal. She writes, “The idea that, as with a
garment, Christians might wordlessly speak something of Jesus—is
appealing.”
According to Paul, we can similarly wordlessly represent Christ.
Romans 13:14 tells us to “clothe [ourselves] with the Lord Jesus Christ,
and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” What
does this mean? When we become Christians, we take on Christ’s identity.
We’re “children of God through faith” (Gal. 3:26–27). That’s our
status. Yet each day we need to clothe ourselves in His character. We do
this by striving to live for and to be more like Jesus, growing in
godliness, love, and obedience and turning our back on the sins that
once enslaved us.
This growth in Christ is a result of the Holy Spirit working in us
and our desire to be closer to Him through study of the Word, prayer,
and time spent in fellowship with other Christians (John 14:26). When
others look at our words and attitudes, what statement are we making
about Christ?
Dear Lord, we want to be a reflection of You. Help us to look more like You each day. Grow us in godliness, love, joy, and patience.
When others see us, may what they see speak well of the Savior.
© 2017 Our Daily Bread Ministries
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