How to be Clothed in Salvation: A Reflection on How God Sees Our Messes
Katie’s words over at Oh Lord Help Us have inspired me for months now and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share her work with you here. She is a gem and such a fount of wisdom and passion for the Lord. As we continue to celebrate the Easter season, she shares a much-needed reminder for us all.
The Easter season seems to be over.
Except, it is not over. This year, I am left wondering why it is that Easter is usually only celebrated for a maximum of 3 days. Churches are filled to the brim. Social platforms are flooded with beautiful graphics of “He is risen!” Many of us are heavily reflecting on the gift of salvation. Why can’t this be every day?
My observations leave me feeling a bit of shame. This is more of a conviction within my own self, than any type of knock against my fellow Christians.
I am recalling back to the words of a post I wrote not too long ago…
We all have “items” we put on day in and day out. For me, I’m constantly trying to change out of perfectionism, negativity, and insecurity. The list goes on but these are my comfortable clothes. These are the 8 year old yoga pants I do chores in because they have bleach stains all over. They fit perfectly, and I NEED something to clean in, right?!
Because I’m a mere mortal, it is not in my nature to habitually clothe myself with supernatural adornments. It does feel good to put on freshly laundered clothes. But, why is this such a difficult process in our own spirits? When sin creeps in and goes unaddressed, we become more and more comfortable wearing it. The elastic starts breaking in, so to speak (I think I’ve pushed this analogy as far as I should).
It takes daily submission and acceptance of this truth; we are His chosen. Click To Tweet
Sneaky sin is not what our Heavenly Father wishes for us.
He has created the most beautiful spiritual ornaments. However, spiritual clothes are more difficult for us “put on”. In the midst of anger, how easy is it to be compassionate? When depression overwhelms, it’s difficult to be joyful. Anxiety makes us feel a need to act quickly, instead of being patient and trusting in the Lord.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12, NIV
It takes daily submission and acceptance of this truth; we are His chosen. In every worldly situation and circumstance, we are to stand out. We are set apart and should not be wearing the same yoga pants as everyone else. These are not to be worn for our own glory, but for everyone to witness God’s glory. For all to see the precious gift of salvation through Christ Jesus.
Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day.
1 Chronicles 16:23, NIV
Most of us can remember the moment we accepted Jesus as our savior. It took me longer to understand what truly happens when we leave our sinful nature behind and accept the forgiveness and mercy of God. When we adorn our clothes of salvation, we are adorning ourselves in all that God has offered. Rest, protection, righteousness, joy, forgiveness, gratefulness, comfort, love.
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10, NIV
In our salvation, it takes more than just washing our dirty clothes, we must learn to completely abandon them.
Every. Single. Day. Salvation is the only piece of clothing I want or need to put on. For in salvation all else rests. It is humbling to know I can approach the throne of God in my ugly yoga pants, because He prepared a way for me to ditch them. In Him, I am made new. My old clothes don’t fit anymore.
When we adorn our clothes of salvation, we are adorning ourselves in all that God has offered. Rest, protection, righteousness, joy, forgiveness, gratefulness, comfort, love. Click To Tweet
Easter Sunday came and went, and here I sit in my piles of laundry. I wish I could say that I have improved, leaps and bounds since I wrote this. I haven’t. I am so quick to put on my sin. It’s convenient and comfortable. I wish I could say this is something I’ve learned to overcome. It’s not. My humanity gets in the way.
If we could overcome sin, there would be no need for a Savior, the cross would have no power, and our entire faith would crumble. Salvation is necessary. It should be adorned and declared every day to bring glory to God. It should be equipped about our heads as a reminder that it’s not by our power, but by the power of our Protector that sin is defeated.
Thank God, for the unrelenting force of grace that washes over my pitiful shame. When I bury myself in self-righteousness, or allow negativity and anxiety to rule my day, my Father is right there waiting to throw those dirty clothes in the wash.
Be sure to check out the original post here for inspiring posts from Katie.
Katie has attained the titles of wife, mother, daughter, friend. She chases three handsome boys around (one of which is her husband). She gets through the day on coffee and my sweet friend, Jesus. She have an affinity for fantastical stories and science fiction. She loves creating (in any medium) and imagining. She is constantly striving to overcome insecurity and negativity in order to be the woman, wife, and mother her Savior destined her to be. Read more of her work at Oh Lord Help Us.
The Comments
Emily
It’s so refreshing to know God doesn’t see our messes the way we do. Thank you for this post. It’s very positive way to start out my stressful week.
KAtie Braswell
EmilyI’m so glad you were encouraged, Emily! I pray your week isn’t as stressful as you think. I hope you find rest in the Lord! <3
Kristin Cook
Such a good post! I totally understand those struggles. I do wear a heck of a lot more than just salvation. I have some “old yoga pants” that I wear around too. I am thankful that God receives me even when I am clothed with things that He died for, and I am thankful that He provides new and better clothing for me!
KAtie Braswell
Kristin CookIt’s so nice to know I’m not alone in the “yoga pants” struggle (spiritually and physically). I love what you said Kristin, “God receives me even when I am clothed with things He died for”! That’s such a powerful image! Thank you for reading! <3
jennfier
This is such a needed read this morning. A very good reminder. I am working to dig deeper in my relationship with God and faith in His power. Thanks for continuing to provide such thought provoking content.
Amy @ Orison Orchards
I love your clothing metaphor — it’s really powerful!
Allison Joy
This is exactly what I needed to hear this morning! What is the specific book pictured with 1 Samuel? (I checked the side bar but don’t see it.) Thank you! <3
Bailey
Allison JoyIt is the Reader’s Version of the ESV Bible! I love it because there’s no verse markers which I find especially helpful in reading through individual books straight through as they were written and reflecting on them as a whole.