Scripture
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as the elect of God, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering…
1 Thessalonians 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation
Isaiah 61:10 I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful…for He has clothed me with garments of salvation…covered me with the robe of righteousness…
Thought for Today
“Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them.” -Marc Jacobs, American fashion designer
Think about the garments, shoes, and other accessories you own. Imagine waking up one morning and rather than getting dressed, you decide to leave them all in your closet. You go through your daily responsibilities undressed and vulnerable to exposure, illness, and embarrassment (at the very least).
Meanwhile, your apparel is clean and neatly pressed, ready and available to cover you as needed for the day. Marc Jacobs’ statement is accurate; countless personal closets, boutiques and retail stores are packed with unworn or unwanted clothing worth billions of dollars. Until a living, breathing human being adorns them, they are plain lifeless pieces of fabric draped on hangers.
Wearable Warfare
The Apostle Paul penned a head-to-toe spiritual warfare ensemble in Ephesians the 6th chapter. He left nothing uncovered as he described the “whole armor of God. “ The inspired writer emphasized that each piece in the suit of armor must be worn in order to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might (v10).
Ephesians 6:11-13 further explains the urgent need to adorn this all-powerful gear. Without it you are unable to stand against the constant maneuvers (plots, cunning strategies) of the devil. Verse 12 reveals that your fight is against numerous ranks in the actual kingdom of evil! To live any day without first putting on protection leaves you defenseless, unable to accurately identify the true enemy.
The passage confirms that when you are entirely covered in the armor of God you receive the power to withstand in the evil day. Only then, having done all, will you be properly dressed for battle and able to stand, fight, and win (v 13).
Kingdom Couture
The saunter of exquisitely dressed men and women on a red carpet is a familiar feature of award shows and other celebrity events. When the rich and famous pause for photographs and interviews, they are asked, ‘Who are you wearing?” The celebrities flash their fancy finery and give credit to the designers and stylists responsible for their look.
Sons and daughters of the King and His kingdom are arrayed in opulence far beyond material trappings. They are clothed with the very fruit of The Holy Spirit Himself. Wearing robes of righteousness, they walk with feet clad with the preparation of the gospel of peace. They are wrapped in garments woven with praise and salvation.
One strategy of the enemy is to try to trick people of God into forgetting that they are designed by the Divine Father God. He will try to replace their kingdom attire with shame, regret, or mistakes. His goal is for them to see themselves as a caterpillar when, in reality, they have been transformed into a beautiful butterfly through the blood of Jesus.
Embrace the gift of heavenly attire each day of your life. Trust the Word of God that you are covered, even on the most challenging days. Let it be the constant reminder that you are forever adorned with the love of your Heavenly Father. He sees you as His Beloved, a beautiful bride on her wedding day. You never have to flee the presence of God naked and ashamed, as did Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
You are redeemed, and with it come rights, privileges, and authority afforded to Kingdom of God dwellers. Dress yourself according to your standing in heavenly places. Live your life with Spirit and Truth covered in garments of grace!
“And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:23,24
Time to Pray!
Father God, we trust and believe that You have fearfully and wonderfully made, redeemed, and clothed us in righteous. Thank you for grace beyond measure and for covering us with protection from all evil. In the name of Jesus. Amen
