Put On Christ: Jesus is Like a Stylish Outfit
“And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” Galatians 3:27 (NLT)
I read Galatians 3:27 this week in one of my morning bible readings. You know me and analogies! So of course my mind went reeling with the different ways we “put on Christ like putting on new clothes”.
What we wear and how we look in it tends to be a pressing topic this time of year. With summer approaching people are concerned about summer clothing…swimsuits, shorts, tank tops, dresses, etc. However, what we put on spiritually will have a significantly larger impact. In fact the bible uses clothing and “putting on” things as an analogy throughout different parts of the Bible. Today though, we’ll focus on how when we put on Christ, it’s like we’re putting on new clothes.
Jesus is like a fashionable and stylish outfit. I thought of how when we put on Christ, it’s like finding and wearing a new, classy outfit in a lot of ways…
When we put on Christ and look like Jesus, it flatters us.
Do you have that outfit that just makes you look good? You can probably picture one of your favorite outfits in your head right now, right? Jesus can make us look our best like that outfit. His character displayed in us paints us in a flattering light. We look our best when we act like Jesus.
“Just as we have borne the image of the earthy, we will also bear the image of the heavenly.” 1 Corinthians 15:49 (NASB)
“Then you will look and be radiant…” Isaiah 60:5a (NIV)
Like a great pair of clothes, Jesus emphasizes, highlights, and accentuates our best parts.
We tend to shine in the right outfit. If we put on Christ, the good in us stands out and our gifts and talents shine. Jesus’ character in us brings out the best in us. When we put on Jesus we do good works, and God gets the glory.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
When we put on Christ, he covers our sin and shame.
Our not-so-good parts are covered up because of what Jesus did for us on the cross. Similarly, the right clothing ensemble will cover up our unflattering bits. I guess you could say it’s kind of like Spanx! He hides our ugly bits. Or…Jesus gets rid of spiritual muffin top! HA! 🙂
“You forgave the guilt of your people–yes, you covered all their sins.” Psalm 85:2 (NLT)
“Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:5 (NIV)
To put on Christ makes people notice you…in a good way.
You know how those people in a cool outfit just look super stylish and stand out? We take notice of them. They catch our eye. Putting on Jesus can do that for our character. People will take notice of us, and we’ll stand out from other people. There will be something different about us that others may even ask us about. Kind of like when people say, “Hey, I love that shirt! Where did you get it?” When we put on Christ, we will be set apart and stand out.
“Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you’re living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy.” 1 Peter 3:15 (MSG)
“But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” 1 Peter 2:9 (NLT)
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21(ESV)
“Do not be conformed to this world…” Romans 12:2a (ESV)
Just like attractive attire can make us feel good about ourselves, so can Jesus.
We tend to like ourselves and how we look more when we wear something nice. It can affect our self-image and self-esteem. When you put on Christ, he does that too. Displaying godly, Christ-like character helps our self-esteem, and we like ourselves a whole lot more. Putting on Jesus can help us to overcome insecurity.
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Certain pieces of clothing never go out of style, and the same goes for Jesus—When we put on Christ, it will never be old-fashioned!
Selected types of clothes are timeless. A few items in our wardrobe are considered staples or classic. For example, pieces like trench coats, white button down shirts, jeans, and blazers (or suits for men) are classics that will always pass the test of time. Jesus will too. Jesus never goes out of style or becomes outdated. He is always relevant. Jesus should be considered a staple item.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8 (NLT)
“Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures.” Psalm 119:90 (NIV)
When we put on Christ, God protects us, just like clothing protects us from the elements.
We need to wear clothes to protect us from different types of weather…snow, rain, extreme cold, heat, wind, UV rays, etc. Other clothing protects us from other kinds of harm. Bulletproof vests protect our law enforcement. Thick boots protect from snake bites when trekking in wild areas. Even in 100+ degree temperatures (Fahrenheit), Eric always wears jeans when mowing or weed eating to protect his legs from getting cut up or pelted. God offers protection (available to us through Jesus) as well to keep us safe from harm.
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (NIV)
“The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all” Psalm 34:19 (NIV)
“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 (NLT)
Jesus looks good on you!
Take an Easy Practical Step This Week: Put On Christ! Wear Jesus’ character like new clothes. Be Christ-like, and you will receive all of the same benefits we discussed above…much like you’d get from a stylish outfit!
How do YOU “put on Christ”? Tell us about it by leaving a comment below.
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If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward! Share this post via the sharing links below. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
