Who Are You Wearing?

We’ve all read of the lavish costume balls of the Renaissance with dignitaries showing up in elaborate masks and even more elaborate suits and dresses.  It seems to be a common desire for man to cover himself with some costume to hide one’s true identity.  Even our fictional superheroes wear costumes.

Putting on a disguising outfit seems to be deep in the psyche of mankind.  When we’re kids, it’s liberating to play “dress up.” It’s a blast for folks to not know exactly who we are.  I remember working for a company where part of my job was dressing up in a cow costume and going to public events.  No one knew who I was so I could act zany and feel totally free.  It was great!     

On the “Red Carpet” during the Academy Awards one of the most common questions commentators asked the beautiful people was, “Who are you wearing?”  And we get a list of wonderful costume designers whose entire profession is making people look good by covering any faults and flaws in beautiful costumes. 

On the judgment day of our deaths we’ll be walking down the “Red Carpet” towards the throne of God and we’ll hear someone yell, “Who are you wearing?” And only one answer will give us entrance into the heaven waiting just beyond God’s righteous judgment. 

If we answer, “What?” or “I’m wearing all my good works and well-meaning efforts” or “Who do you think you are asking a personal question like that?” we’ll never get past the critical eye of the biggest judge of all; a totally Holy God who will not permit sin of any kind – no flaw whatsoever – into His paradise of eternal life. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking – it’s what we’re all going to be thinking.  “How is a sinner like me going to stand before God Himself on His Judgment Day?  When we realize that even the tiniest sin is terrible in a perfect God’s eyes and that like a rock on the tracks, the smallest sin can totally de-rail us on our trip into God’s eternal presence. 

Our sin, even in its smallest version, even a little “white lie” will earn us the spiritual death sentence of hell.  Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 clearly tell us that every one of us is a sinner and that the punishment for being that sinner is spiritual death. 

So, what are we to do?  It’s time to do what superman does… go into a closet and change into a costume!  A wonderful costume, by a fabulous designer, specifically made to cover up the sin of our rebellious tendencies and flaws and cover us with the wonderful, beautiful, even miraculous garment of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus!

For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.  Galatians 3:26–28 (ESV)

and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth. Ephesians 4:24 (NASB95)

The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. …  But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.  Romans 13:12, 14 (NASB95)

What a fantastic covering!!  When we stand before the God of the Universe, and He looks at us, all He’s going to see is the covering of His beloved and cherished Son.  It’s not that we fool God – no one can do that.  But He understands that the precious blood of His Son, Jesus has covered us and given us new robes – robes made by the Holy, Sinless Christ when He willingly died for each of us.

So, our challenge is not to wait until we’re walking on that final “Red Carpet,” heading toward God’s loving embrace because of our “Christ costume,” but to wear Christ in my everyday life… putting on Christ every day! 

When people see me going through my daily life can they see Christ who’s covering me?  In blessings and battles am I showing Christ?  When I’m going about my daily life as a Christ-follower, do I wear Him as a miraculous covering of all my sin? 

And when observed by folks who are not believers in Christ, does my demeanor bring them to a point of asking me, “Who are you wearing?” 

Help me Father, to live like that.  And help me confidently answer, “I’m proudly wearing Christ!” 

How ‘bout you?  Who are you wearing? 

Think about it….

 

About A Daily Prayer

There is a book called “The Cloud of Unknowing” written more than 600 years ago by a devoted, unknown saint.  In his pre-Elizabethan English, the author says he wrote his book, “That God’s children might go on to be ‘oned’ with God.”  Not a bad goal. 

At the very start of his work, this unknown author wrote a brief prayer that got me thinking about the way I begin each day.  You see, I believe in daily prayer.  In fact, I believe in constant prayer. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17–18 states it clearly, “Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  

But, It strikes me that the first prayer…. Saying “Good morning” to the Father, should be a special prayer.  Like the one this old-time writer used to begin his book.  Perhaps you’ll find it as thought provoking as I do. 

First I’ll put it down just as he did… in the old style English of his day.  Then, I’ll let you see my own version.  Either way it’s a great prayer.

 

“Oh God, under whom all hearts be open, and unto whom all will speaketh,

and unto whom no privy thing is hid, I beseech Thee,

so for to cleanse the intent of my heart with the unspeakable gift of Thy grace,

that I may perfectly love Thee and worthily praise Thee!”

Here’s how I pray it. 

“Oh God, all hearts are open to You, and to You all men will pray,

and to You no private thing is hidden.  Therefore I beg You,

to cleanse the intent of my heart with the unspeakable gift of Your grace,

so that I may perfectly love You and worthily praise You!”

Think about it….

Is Christmas Depressing?

Well, Halloween and Thanksgiving are over and the holiday season is in full swing.  We’ve had our “Turkey Day Sales,” “Black Friday Sales,” and “Cyber Monday” will be here tomorrow.  But, in spite of all the gifts we’ve purchased and deals we’ve gotten for ourselves, so many of us still feel empty and depressed during the entire holiday season.  I’ve been thinking about this… Why is it that so many Americans…even good “church attending” folk, often feel lonely, isolated, and troubled during the holidays? 

Could it be that we look at our lives in juxtaposition to what the Christmas cards show and feel our experience is falling short?  That charming, isolated, snow covered cabin full of gorgeous decorations and a beautiful roaring fire, seems to mock our everyday struggles to pay the bills, failures at making every one of our family and friends completely delighted with gifts we can’t afford, and the unshakeable worries of everyday life.  After all, when the holidays happen during days of hard times, trials, and tough decisions, they can be downright depressing. 

Instead of spending Thanksgiving being thankful for what God has given us we spend the day over-eating and planning our over-spending, leaving us with another year of under-living.  No wonder Christmas is depressing! 

Every Christmas my mother and sisters write annual poems.  It’s a fun way for them to inform us of their doings while giving a cheerful spin on the season.  In that tradition I want to give you a Christmas poem – but with a completely different intent.  

Let’s stop for a moment and re-think the reason for the season and God’s interest in our lives.  If you’re having trials and tribulations perhaps it’s time to ask yourself what God is trying to tell you this Christmas. 

If you don’t know Him personally, perhaps it’s time.  Nothing depressing about the grace of God given in the person of Jesus coming to take away your sin! 

If you are a Christian and having a hard time perhaps God has special plans for you during the tests of this season. 

It’s in this spirit that I offer a poem.  I found it on the internet and have taken liberties with its content – I hope the unknown author is not offended.  I’ve made the poem my own.  It expresses my feelings for each of you this Christmas and for the year beyond. 

 

The Valleys:

Author unknown – an internet poem
Rewritten by Len Allen

Sometimes life is hard to bear, full of sorrows, trials, and woe.

It’s then that I remember – it’s in the valleys that I grow!

 If I always stayed on mountain tops and never lived with pain,

I would not grasp the love of God and life would be in vain.

I do not always understand why things happen as they do,

But one thing in my life is sure – my Lord will see me through.

Yes, Jesus’ birth was glorious but He came for harder stuff,

He came to die for all my sins, and isn’t that enough?

My little valleys don’t seem so bad, when I see Christ upon the cross.

How He suffered in that awful pain, His victory – Satan’s loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining when I’m feeling very low.

Just give me a reminder; it’s in the valleys that I grow!

Continue to strengthen me Oh Lord, and use my life each day,

To share Your love with others and help them find their way.

I have so much to learn about and my growth is very slow.

Sometimes I need the mountain tops, but it’s in the valleys that I grow!

When celebrating Christmas cheer leaves me feeling sad and low,

Christ is with me in the valleys and it’s His Joy that I know!  

Thank you for the valleys, Lord. Strength and grace you do bestow,

The mountain tops are glorious, but it’s in the valleys that I grow!

 

Merry Christmas and blessed 2013….    A year of valleys – a year of Joy!

 Think about it….