Read: Romans 13:12-14
Memory Verse: Romans 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
We put on our clothes every day. If you are in the military, work certain jobs, or go to some schools, you put on a uniform on the days you have to work or attend classes. On other days you have more choices in what you wear depending on what you plan to do that day. Are you going to the beach, working on your car, going out for a nice dinner, spending the day at a friend’s house, or attending church? What you put on depends on what you are doing.
The Bible has many passages that talk about “putting on”. Ephesians 4:22-24 admonishes us to put off the old, to put in the new, and to put on the new man. Job “put on righteousness” in Job 29:14. Isaiah encourages us to “put on strength” in Isaiah 51:9 & 52:1. The people of Nineveh “put on sackcloth” in Jonah 3:5 as an outward expression of their repentance. Romans 13:12 Paul challenges us to “put on the armor of light” and the “armor of God” in Ephesians 6:10-18. In Romans 13:14 & Galatians 3:27 we are to put on Christ. Jesus wants us to “put on the new man” as seen in Ephesians 4:24 & Colossians 3:10. Finally, in Colossians 3:12-14 we are to “put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering & love”.
Just as you get dressed in your clothes every day you need to “put on” these things as you prepare for what that day will bring. Choose your spiritual wardrobe carefully, especially as you prepare to face the day ahead.
Meditation for the Day: What battles or challenges will you face today? What can you “put on” to help you to be better prepared for what lies ahead?
Assignment: Certain clothes make you feel more comfortable or confident. Other clothes put you in a professional mood or ready to go to work. What can you “put on” spiritually to make you feel more confident and ready to face the challenges of the day?
For Fun: Choose out some clothing or jewelry that you are going to assign a spiritual value to that will be a daily reminder for you when you wear it. i.e. – a necklace that reminds me of God’s unconditional love or a bracelet that reminds me to control my thoughts whenever I look at it. Maybe it is a t-shirt that is your “breastplate of righteousness” to protect your heart.