Football playerIt’s important to be appropriately dressed for the occasion that you’re attending.  Consider some of the equipment a football player wears:  cleats, padded pants, shoulder pads, mouth guard, and a helmet.  What would happen if he tried to return a kick-off wearing only a speedo – it would be his last kick-off return.  As you go through life, it’s important that you’re appropriately dressed.  The Apostle Paul cautions us,

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

What does it mean to put on the Lord Jesus Christ?  The context of this passage gives us a clue,
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.  (Romans 13:12)
This verse tells us to put on the armor of light.  One of the primary passages concerning the armor of God is Paul’s description of God’s armor in the book of Ephesians.
Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  (Ephesians 6:13-17)
As you consider what it means to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, we see that Christ is represented in each part of the armor.
Truth – Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.  (John 14:6)
Righteousness – But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Peace – For He (Christ) Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, (Ephesians 2:14)
Faith – I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.  (Galatians 2:20)
Salvation – For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
Word – In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  (John 1:1)
Which aspect of God’s armor seems most significant to you?  As you face a new day, may you be dressed for success knowing that you are clothed with the full armor of God.

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5