Boy, it turned cold quickly! I am never prepared for the change of temperatures. Since we’ve been on the move for two years all our past seasonal clothing is stored in wardrobe boxes in the garage. So, it’s quite a process to get those clothes into the house and put in the closet, as well as, the clothing in the closet packed and put back into the garage. Because the wardrobe boxes are so heavy, I have been waiting until I could get help in moving them. Over the past two weeks we’ve had some cool days and then a few warm days. I was procrastinating till fall had officially arrived before beginning the huge task of changing out the closet.
Mark has wanted his jackets due to the fact that he goes every Wednesday to a book study group and when he leaves at 6:15, it’s been a little chilly. This past Wednesday, the only jacket I could find for him was a wind breaker of mine. You can imagine how thrilled he was to wear a woman’s jacket to meet his “guy” friends. I promised him that they wouldn’t know the difference, after all it was black and not pink or lavender!
I guess I wasn’t as sympathetic as I should have been, until yesterday, when I had to go somewhere early in the morning, and went to find something in my closet that would be warm enough. Now, when your closet is filled with sandals, Capri’s, short sleeved shirts, tanks, colorful cotton skirts, swimming suit cover-ups and jackets that are bright colored and extremely lightweight- it is hard to stay warm! I suddenly realized what it was like for Mark the past few weeks in not having the appropriate clothing. Poor guy!
When it’s cold we need to dress appropriately for the weather. Each season requires its own type of clothing. You cannot expect cold weather cloths to be comfortable in the summer, nor can you expect light weight cottons to keep you warm in the winter. Dressing appropriately for each season protects you. In the summer, the appropriate clothing keeps you from getting too hot, and in the winter, the appropriate clothing keeps you from being too cold.
I was thinking about our spiritual clothing and how God has provided exactly what we need. Each piece protects a part of the human body. In Ephesians 6 we see that we can be dressed appropriately for any and every season we may encounter in life. Daily we get out of bed and get dressed. Physically we wouldn’t dream of going out without being dressed appropriately for the weather.
Our daughter and her husband run marathons. In preparing for their runs they plan ahead of time for the appropriate clothing. They dress for the weather and the type of run. Mountain climbers dress for the climb. You don’t see them loaded down with heavy coats or large backpacks. They give great thought to what they will need to wear to accomplish the climb. So, we should be prepared each day for life, paying attention to how we are spiritually dressed. “Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking put the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take up the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:13-18
Our spiritual clothing is available at any time. They aren’t stored in the boxes in the garage having to be brought in, emptied, and hung. All we have to do is daily put them on. When we do, we are prepared for whatever life brings. When we are dressed appropriately, we are able to run the race and make the climb of life successfully!
Father, make me aware of my need daily to put on the spiritual clothing that You have provided for me. Do not let me go out uncovered, unprotected, and vulnerable, to the enemy and his schemes. Help me to be disciplined in getting spiritually dressed each day. Thank you that You, my heavenly Father have given me everything I need for life.
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” Genesis 3:21
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3
Dianne