What does it mean to clothe yourself with Christ?

One reason why so many who profess to be Christians are lacking in their followership of Jesus is because from our lack of discipleship, we tend to dismiss or skip over scripture we don’t understand.

It isn’t always difficult passages in the Bible we wrestle with, it can be simple phrasing we’re unfamiliar with, and so we’re not sure what to make of it or do with it. Instead of study or ask, we just skip it.

For example, the Apostle Paul tells us we are to clothe ourselves with Christ …

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts,” Romans 13:14 (NASB).

“And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes,” Galatians 3:27.

So what does it mean to “put on” Jesus? Why does Paul tell us to “clothe” ourselves with Christ? Fredrick Beuchner helps us gain some insight from a story he tells called “The Happy Hypocrite.” It’s a story about a man who was born with an awful facial deformity …

    He grew up alone and lonely. When reaching adulthood, he decided to move from his town to begin a new life. On his way he discovered a beautiful mask that fit his making him look handsome. At first the mask was uncomfortable and he was afraid that people would find out who he really was, but he continued to wear the mask everyday.

    In his new hometown, he made many friends and fell in love. But one day a wicked woman from his old home came to his town and discovered this man’s true identity. In front of his friends and fiancé, she forced him to remove his mask. When he removed the mask, it revealed a handsome face. His face had conformed to the mask.

    Becoming like Christ is analogous to this. Go ahead and put on Christ. At first it may feel unnatural or uncomfortable, and maybe you may think, “Who am I trying to fool?” But everyday just keep putting on Christ and everyday you will grow to look more like him.

Every day we are to “put on” Christ, and when we do, the Holy Spirit works at transforming us to be more and more like Jesus:

“Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him,” Colossians 3:10.

Have you clothed yourself with Christ?

Scotty