Renew—to restore; repair; to mend; to make good; replenish
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
2 Corinthians 5:17
Clutter in the Closet
I am ashamed to admit that if you were to open my clothes closet, something would probably fall out. It’s no wonder I have such difficulty finding anything to wear on any given day. It is a jumbled mess of poorly folded clothes placed (okay, thrown) onto a high shelf, along with a rod of mangled wire and plastic hangers.
On each hanger is an array of skirts, dresses, slacks, blouses, sweaters, shawls, and scarves that are hung in no particular order. Many of my clothes (some from college, and yes, even high school) end up on the floor of my closet, covering my disorganized pile of shoes, sandals and boots.
One solution to my closet clutter would be to actually carve out some time and clean it out. I have thought long and hard about this process. I would start by taking everything out of the closet, and piece by piece, examine each article of clothing to decide if it goes or stays.
The good clothes that I wear often would go back neatly into the closet, while the other clothes—the old, worn, torn, out-dated, faded clothing would be packed up and sent away, never to return to my closet again. Then I would have greater ease finding clothes that I do enjoy wearing, and I would have plenty of room for new clothing.
I’ve thought about this wonderful closet declutter day, but it has not happened yet. Daily house duties seem to get in the way, and frankly, cleaning out my closet would take a lot of work, time, and effort.
In all honesty, it’s work that I’m not ready (or willing) to do. Can anybody relate?
Many of us approach our spiritual closets the way I treat my clothing closet. There is a lot of spiritual “clutter”. We bury past hurts and pains deep inside the closet of our hearts.
Instead of skirts and blouses, these articles of clothing include unforgiveness, bitterness, hidden sin, pride, insecurity…but instead of dealing with the issues and “cleaning out” the closet, they remain buried, taking up precious space in our closets that could be dwelling places for joy, peace, and true freedom.
In this post we will examine the “old garments” of sin and look at how we can replace these unwanted garbs for the new spiritual clothing Christ died to give us.
I ask that you take a deep breath, and allow God into the places of your heart that may be painful. It takes a lot of courage to face the moments in your life where you have been wounded, but when you’ve come through to the other side, you will discover and experience more of Jesus in ways you never could have imagined.
Are you willing to journey with your Savior? Will you take the plunge with me? I am willing to do the work…and maybe my actual clothing closet will experience a much needed makeover as well!
Putting on Spiritual Clothing
Paul prayed for the church of Ephesus by saying,
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.”
Ephesians 3:16-17
We, like the church of Ephesus, can be strengthened with power through the Spirit to take off the clothing that brings death, and put on the clothing of Christ that brings life. Since we have been clothed with Christ’s power, he gives us everything we need to live victorious lives in him.
The theme of spiritual clothing continues to weave itself throughout the rest of the New Testament. Take a look at the passages below:
“The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissention and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
Romans 13:12-14
“Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with it practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator…
Colossians 3:5-10
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since of members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15
What “old garments” do you need to take out of your spiritual closet? What habits do you need to “take off” so that you can put on the glory and splendor or Christ today?
Allow him to wrap you in his love, to cover you with the warmth of his joy, peace, and goodness. Put on Christ by spending time with him, talking to him, and allowing his word to wash and renew your heart and mind. You will find great healing for your soul. It’s time for a new wardrobe, sister.
“…she is clothed with strength and dignity.”
Proverbs 31:25a
Prayer of Spiritual Renewal
Lord, Thank you that I am clothed in strength and dignity. Help me to take off my old self and to put on my new self, which is renewed and strengthened by your Holy Spirit. Today, I put on garments of glory, honor and power. I adorn myself in Your clothing of righteousness, holiness and eternal salvation. Amen.