The Garment
What do a list, nature, grace, love, fruit, and a burlap bag have in common? Let’s look at a series of Scriptures and get God’s perspective.
1. Galatians 5:22, 23 – But the fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things, there is no law.
2. Colossians 2:9 – For in Him the whole fullness of Deity continues to dwell in bodily form.
3. Hebrews: 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.
4. John 3:16 – For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
5. Romans 8:29 – for those whom He foreknew He also destined from the beginning to be molded into the image of His Son, that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.
6. Colossians 3:12 – Clothe yourselves, therefore, as God’s own chosen ones, purified and holy and well-beloved tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves, gentle ways, and patience.
Many churches across America set aside 21 days in January to fast and pray. When you and I pray and fast God does a work on the inside of us. We are setting aside time and food to spend more time with Him. It is an intimate time where we learn to let him in-to-me-see. I know, it’s scary, but necessary.
This list is an internal one,
1. God’s work in us is internal. Yet, our daily focus seems to be outward. I get it. Life is fast-paced. There’s not much time to catch our breath and reflect.
2. We are shown the perfect example in the Bible. Take a deep dive into the Gospels and learn from Jesus who is God in the flesh. As you observe his ways, his character ,you are looking at the fruit of the Spirit in action.
3. In this ever-changing world with fickle people, you can count on an unchangeable God. Consistent, truthful, and trustworthy. You and I might not be consistent or faithful all the time, but God is.
4. The first two commandments include the word love. It is who God is, love, and love is what Jesus demonstrated. It is not enough for us to love God, we must love our neighbor too. Actually, this is where major changes come to us.
5. Do you realize that we set an example for those around you? Whether we realize it, we do. Jesus was intentional with His life. He wants us to be intentional too. Living as He lived.
6. Here we have a list, character, internal changes, with clothing-like commands from God through Paul. Paul learned from Jesus, the disciples learned from Jesus and Jesus learned from His Father.
Oh, yea, the burlap bag. The material and the color brown represent humility in the Bible. How did Jesus do it because He set aside His divinity? This is how, in Hebrews 5:8, we read, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. Prayer and fasting commands a posture of humility.
In Galatians 3:27, Paul declares, put on, clothe yourselves with Christ. So, when you wake up and look for what to wear for the day, don’t forget to put on Christ. Better yet, let Holy Spirit teach you how to make Jesus your permanent garment.
Until next time, remember the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart!
Dr. Michele
January 12, 2025
