The Bible lays out a clear “dress code” for the people of God. While there are some guidelines that apply to the clothing of our physical appearance the emphasis is on that of the inner person, the spirit man within. When we come to Jesus receiving Him as Savior and Lord that inner “man” is cleansed and renewed, the past with its sins are not only cleansed but also removed. However we still live in the same body of flesh that thinks it should have the same gratifications it has been accustomed to. So warfare breaks out as the flesh continues to desire the old ways but now the spirit man has been awakened to the craving of the things of the Spirit of God. The Bible clearly shows that we now have a role to play in putting off the old attire and putting on the new. We are not told to just put the new garments over the old ones, this will not work! The principle is seen in Zechariah 3:4, where the old is removed before the new is acquired; and in Deuteronomy 22:11 where a garment of mixed material or thread was not to be worn! We are to put off the old and then to put on the new. “Cast off the works of darkness and … put on the armor of light … put on the Lord Jesus Christ”, Romans 13:12-14; “put off … the old man … put on the new man …” Ephesians 4:22-24; “put off all these … put on the new man …” Colossians 3:8-16. The Bible does not say He will take these old things off, or put these new ones on for us, the truth being that because we “have put on Christ” Galatians 3:27, He will give us the power from within to do so, but the choice of doing it is up to us!
How should I be dressed?
By Rose Hill
This morning I must put on mercies so tender,
And not bring punishment to an offender.
Then put on kindness and help one in need,
So from their burden they can be freed.
Next I must put on some humility,
The good I did no one needs to see.
Then I put on my shoes of peace and content,
And tied them up with the blessings God sent.
When dressed with meekness as a garment of grace,
I put on a coat of forgiveness in place.
But to put on love I must never forget,
It is the most important garment yet.
Last but not least I must put thankfulness on,
And sing to the Lord a beautiful song.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.