A Devotion May Be Someone's Only Bible

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Clothed with Christ

DEVOTION BY POSTED 4/14/2017 12:00:01 AM ON Galatians 3:27 NLT POSTED TO THE Peace & Presence Devotion

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

Photo courtesy of pixabay.My shirt spoke volumes without my mouth ever saying a word.

I was called to pastor a small-town church. I was excited, and so was everyone else. What better way to show my pride—and for the members to show their pride over belonging to that particular church— than to order t-shirts with the church name, along with a logo or Bible verse. So we did.

When we went on mission trips, we wore our shirts. Church outings? We wore our shirts. Around town? We wore our shirts. And sometimes when we went out on the town for a night, we’d all decide to wear our shirts. Then it hit me. Our shirts were speaking words without ever saying any, and I was caught in the middle.

If I hit my finger with a hammer, I had to watch what I said. If I was in the retail store with a buggy full of items and there was only one register open, I had to monitor my words and actions. If the waiter acted as if they could care less, I had to watch how I responded. If someone told an off-color joke, should I laugh?

Whether to wear the shirts or not became a joke between my wife and I and a couple we often went out with. If we wore our shirts, we had to be on our best behavior. If we didn’t, no one would know we were Christians—unless we gave it away in some other way.

Wrong assumption. Paul says I was clothed with Christ the moment I chose to become His follower. I don’t have to wear a shirt. I wear Him. He speaks more words than a shirt ever could. And He speaks them through my actions, words, and attitudes.

I don’t have to advertise myself as a Christian with clothing or jewelry—although there’s nothing wrong with Christian symbols. When I exercise love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control, people assume there is something different about me. All are traits they’re probably not accustomed to seeing—at least not on a regular basis. Should I show the opposite of those traits, they assume I’m just a regular guy.

Remember who you are clothed with. Let Christ speak loudly everyday through your lifestyle. 

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

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Martin Wiles

Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is a multi-published author. His most recent book, Hurt, Hope and Healing: 52 Devotions That Will Lead to Spiritual Health, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].

Comments
Comment

  1. Reply
    Darrell Waters
    From Alabama On 3/15/2018 7:06:02 PM

    Thank You for the devotional. It really convicted me. Lord help me live it out as I do my part in Jesus' name, amen!

  2. Reply
    Sheryl M Baker
    From LaPorte, Indiana On 4/20/2017 5:57:39 AM

    Great analogy Martin. I sometimes forget that I wear Christ daily. This devotion reminds me I must continually be aware of what I say, do, and think.