I’ve been thinking about what it means to ‘put on Christ’.
… it is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep, because now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is nearly over, and the day is near; so let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armour of light… put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.
Romans 13:11-14
In late April, I received the latest faith art box from Creative Retreat Kits (referral link) called Clothed in Humility. The devotional was written by Danielle who is the owner. She is so kind and just a pleasure to interact with. So, I was very excited to read what God put on her heart to share with us. I was also interested in the topic of Humility because it coincided with what I’ve been studying in Philippians about Christ’s example of humility and servant leadership.
The idea behind the devotional is of the #OOTD (outfit of the day) which features clothing that is being promoted by influencers on social media. Danielle encourages us to make Christ out greatest influencer and to clothe ourselves in His character instead.
To clothe ourselves from the inside out by putting on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).
She adds that in order to wear those qualities, we first need to actively take off pride and put on Christlike humility. This then enables us, by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, to see others as more significant than ourselves.
To be compassionate towards them. To be kind, gentle and patient. To love and serve them. When we live like this, we show others Who it is we are really following.
While meditating on this and what I was learning in my study of Philippians, the phrase ‘put on Jesus’ came to mind. After looking into that further, this act of putting on Christ, I came across a couple verses that spoke to that.
One is from Romans 13 (above), which is about fulfilling the law by loving one another. The other is from Colossians 3:9-10.
… you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.
Colossians 3:9-10
I also came across a commentary that said that being “clothed in Christ” means being so closely united with Jesus that when others look at you, they don’t see you, they see Him.
I had a similar thought along those lines. When we look at other believers – people who have the spirit of God within them – we shouldn’t see them, we should see Christ. But that is more in the sense of Matthew 25, and desiring to love and serve them as we would unto Christ.
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.
Matthew 25:40
It’s clear from God’s word that this life of humility, of prioritizing others, honours God. When we choose to live a life that honours him, that brings Him glory, we show the world what we truly treasure.
Let me add that these qualities are not things that we’re trying to be. This is fruit that is grown in us by the Holy Spirit as we walk with God. Yet, I think it’s important to realize that this is who we are. This is our new nature in Christ. The old is gone; we are new creations. We are children of God, God is Love, therefore we are children of Love. We are compassionate, kind, humble, gentle and patient people. Our minds just need to be renewed.
