“Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” – Romans 13:14
Do you remember the days of playing “Dress Up” when you were a child? For generations, kids have reveled in this imaginative game, slipping into different roles and costumes. What did you dress up as? When I was a child, my friends and I were particularly fond of playing “Army Man.” We’d transform ourselves from ordinary kids into soldiers, dressed head to toe in what we believed to be authentic “army” gear. And with our newfound identities, we’d engage in epic battles that would consume our entire cul-de-sac.
If you’ve ever played “dress up,” you know the magic that happens when you put on a costume. In your mind, you become the character you’re portraying, and the world you create feels incredibly real. As kids, we’d dive into our roles as army men, and our cul-de-sac became the battlefield for our vivid imaginations. Each battle was intense, filled with strategy and camaraderie, even though we were just kids in costumes.
But inevitably, the call of supper or Mom’s ring of the bell would interrupt our epic wars. We’d reluctantly shed our camouflage and army gear, transforming back into regular kids. War time was over, and it was time to transition to something else.
In these verses from Romans, the apostle Paul provides us with a profound insight: the way we clothe ourselves, both physically and spiritually, significantly impacts the lives we lead. Just like in our childhood game, what you wear determines the role you play.
Paul encourages us to “clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” This is more than just an external change; it’s a transformation of our hearts and minds. When you choose to clothe yourself with Christ, you take on His character, His values, and His mission. It’s like putting on a costume that makes you look and act like Him.
However, there’s a crucial contrast here. While dressing up as army men in our childhood games was temporary fun, clothing ourselves with Christ is a lifelong commitment. It’s not about role-playing; it’s about becoming more like Jesus in every aspect of our lives.
As you navigate the complexities of life, remember the lesson from your childhood games. Just as changing your attire transformed you into different characters, clothing yourself with Christ can transform your life. Embrace His character, His love, and His purpose as your own, and watch how your life becomes a beautiful reflection of Him.