Dressed in the Best
.
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me with the garment of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10
I receive a monthly mission magazine that features people from different cultures, including African. I always pause to admire the clothing of the African women in their attractive outfits in rich, diverse patterns and vibrant colors. Do clothes matter today? Yes, they do; people put a lot of emphasis on what they wear. In a sense, we still believe in the adage, “Clothes make the man.” Or the woman.
A new group has sprung up in today’s fashion industry. They’re called influencers, people seeking to influence minds and set clothing trends. Known for their style and savvy, influencers ply their wares mainly on social media platforms. They attract millions of followers who purchase whatever they promote. But fashion is fleeting and thrives on pride and self-mage. The spiritually aware individual knows this and has a different focus.
In the begiining when sin entered the world, it affected every facet of life, including the clothing needs of the Edenic pair, who lost the clothing they had before, which had made them perfectly acceptable in God’s presence. They resorted to making flimsy garments out of fig leaves for themselves, but God had to design something more durable for them. Today He is still able to provide the most suitable garments for His followers. When we seek His presence, He takes away our self-created garments that are tailored with pride and provides for us a robe of righteousness, His own brand that is attractive, durable, and fitting for every occasion. Wearing clothes like this will lead us to “greatly rejoice in the Lord.”
A satisfying outcome of wearing Christ’s robe is that we can become influencers in a greater cause. Our style can be copied by anyone wanting to live in Christ’s kingdom of grace. It is a joy and honor to help someone appreciate God’s style and choose to wear His brand.
Always,
Judith
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Your beauty should not come from
outward adornment, such as braided
hair and the wearing of gold jewelry
and fine clothes. Instead it should
be that of your inner self, the unfading
beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which
is of great worth in God’s sight.
1 Peter 3:3, 4 (NIV)
2 Comments
Nanette Schell
I read your blog today and agree with every word about clothes and how it doesn’t make the man or woman.
Also we must beware of the Wolf in Sheeps clothing. I have spoken with a man who was ragged on the streets
of Washington who quoted verses from the Bible, and told me to follow the straight and narrow. I remember his words all of my life and I try to follow them. I could well afford the new styles of clothes but I have purchased my clothing from thrift shops. I can look as well dressed as those who flaunt their new styles.
One can walk with pride knowing the clothes of the Lord are all we all need, and to honor his way to clothe us
is far better than threads of gold and silver or the latest fashion.
Thank you dear Judith for another awakening. I think of your bogs as awakenings. They refresh my spirit.
God Bless you my dear friend.
Nan.
Judith Nembhard
My dear Nan, you have blessed me today with your very perceptive words. These comments of yours are new life for me, giving me a fresh perspective on the very subject I wrote about. What a gift! “One can walk with pride, knowing the clothes of the Lord are all we need” is a gem of an idea that we can contemplate to great benefit. Thank you so much for a tremendous comment. JN