OUR FIRST TOPIC: CLOTHES
As we jump into this topic, make sure to catch my two favorite clothing closet principles at the end of today's devotion!
Did you know that the words garment, clothing, and cloak appear over 250 times in the Bible? Most of us have never thought about that. Even more, we don’t think about how what we wear may impact to how we live out our faith.
Even as the Bible tells the story of Jesus and God’s plan for humanity, notice how God uses clothing as a symbol of significance or as a spiritual connection:
- God made animal skins for Adam and Eve after they sinned.
- God was also the first fashion designer! He provided Moses with specific instructions on the fabrics and embellishments of the priests’ holy garments.
- One of my favorite Biblical references to clothes was Queen Esther wearing her queenly finery to stand before King Xerxes and save her people.
In each of these instances, clothes were connected to one’s purpose or a spiritual symbol of a grace, influence, or power (like the armor of God). This doesn’t mean that we need to become “religious” about our clothes or begin policing what others are wearing. No! Our clothes don’t need to become performative. The religious leaders in Jesus’ time used their clothes to reinforce the idea that they were better than others. That kind of show doesn’t glorify God.
WHY DOES THIS CONVERSATION ABOUT CLOTHES MATTER?
I think we underestimate how much our clothes impact not only our mood and how engaged - or disconnected we are to others. As Christian women, it's important for us to notice when we look in the mirror and frown or we turn away feeling badly about ourselves. When we know we look bad, chance are we'll feel bad.
Yet, we don't live in a vacuum. Check out Jesus’ words about our purpose in the world as His followers.
Check this out:
“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden…No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stnd, where it gives light to everyone in the house. - Matthew 5:14-15 NLT
So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” -2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT
God’s big picture purpose for us: To tell the world about Jesus! To tell the world about Jesus, we have to be ready and watching for those opportunities.
Over two decades ago, I had a huge a-ha moment about how our clothes can impact our purpose:
When we’re feeling self-conscious about what we’re wearing because we feel frumpy or uncomfortable, we’re less likely to be outgoing, curious, or engaging with people around us. That same self-consciousness can become a basket that covers opportunities for us to shine Jesus-bright to the people around us.
Look, I know that you love Jesus! But, if you're not leaving home because you don't like what you look like or you keep to yourself off at work or church because you're comparing yourself to the other women, then what God-sent opportunities could you be missing?
No matter who you are, God wants to put people in your path so that you can smile a Jesus-smile of hope in this dark world. But, if you're wearing those jeans that you know don't fit and you're wiggling around, you may miss that person. Perhaps, you toss on whatever you can find and you rush out of the house hoping that you don't run into someone you know. However, what if God wants you to run into certain people so that you can pray for them? It would be terrible for you to see people can then try to avoid them. Look, I've done just that. I've skulked around the grocery store in an embarrassing outfit and prayed not to run into anyone, so no judgement here! At the same time, let's not let that happen again! We always want to be ready for God to use us!
LET ME SHARE MY TWO CLOTHING PRINCIPLES!
Let's talk practical application - but first let me say this: It doesn’t matter what you wear as long as your clothes are not a distraction from your heart and mind looking for possible divine appointments from God.
Here are two principles from my popular “Taking Care of You” message that may help:
- If it doesn’t fit, get rid of it.
- Stop wearing clothes that make you sad.
Right now, some of you are laughing because you know that I’m right! What you have on right now could fit exactly what I’m talking about. Can I offer you some advice: TAKE THOSE CLOTHES BACK OFF! Dear friend, stop wearing clothes that make you sad! If something doesn't fit, stop wearing it. Period.
Perhaps today's devotion is prompting you to clean out your closet. Is it time to let go of the clothes from your past, clothes you’re never going to wear, or clothes you’re keeping because someone gave them to you? Apply my two principles above and run after the freedom that God may be trying to give you from feeling blah or frumpy each day!
Some of you may be wondering if there’s a line that’s too far in caring about how we look. That’s a good question. As one who loves cute clothes and fashion, I believe as long as we’re living out our highest purpose - telling people about Jesus - then we have freedom to enjoy cute shoes and fun clothes without guilt or shame.
I’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Who needed today’s devotion? If you did, hit reply and write “clothes” to me. If one or both of those principles were helpful, copy and paste the one that you needed to hear today!
