Clothes Do Make The Man

There is a conspiracy of epic proportions in my house. Disguised as cute kids, an underground organization dedicated to rendering my wardrobe useless has infiltrated my closet and plundered my clothes drawers. Now daily I find myself outfit impaired and “garmently” challenged. I would sue for emotional damages, but they are my kids after all. Take my socks for instance, (whoops, poor choice of words); with five boys active in this underground, all who have socks of their own by the way, my socks never seem to remain in my drawer. Even Daniel, my four year old wears my socks. Although on him they are so big that they look like a poorly made turtleneck.

Unfortunately, the pillaging has not been contained to just my socks. My daughter thinks that all my large t-shirts belong to her. They are quickly becoming her sleepwear of choice. My white dress shirts have been in many “pirate battles” and have returned button less. Various unknown substances have appeared on my shirts while in the service of dubious pintsized “scientists”. A few shirts have even returned with their sleeves tied in knots! Like some great Houdini event gone awry, the true explanation remains locked away in secrecy.

Through all this I have learned to identify with John the Baptist. Now here’s a man with a limited wardrobe. The whole camel hair suit thing really intrigues me. I took a ride on a camel once, believe me, it doesn’t clear up why would he choose that particular form of attire. Maybe the camel water hording properties helped with baptisms in some strange way. My explanation is simple; he must have had some kids in his life and therefore an empty closet. The locust and honey thing I can’t explain, although you can be sure no kids were involved in that menu choice, but I digress.

My shoes, my hats, even my glasses become objects of fantasy, comfort and connection. Why
do my kids insist on wearing my stuff? Simply put, they want to put on the things of their father. It’s an identification thing, a familiar thing and an “I wanna be like” thing. Daddy’s clothes
represent something that goes beyond just wearing them. When I go on a long business trip my daughter will sometimes wear one of my shirts to bed because “it smells like daddy”. Sleeping with my shirt brings a level of comfort to her.

It just like that with the Kingdom, putting on the things of the Heavenly Father evokes change. His clothes really do make the man, permanently pressing into us the character of His son.
With garments of salvation, the robe of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10), the full armor of God
(Eph 6:10-17) and the armor of light (Rom 13:12). After you are fitted for a robe of righteousness, God has accessories as well! “Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness
the sash round his waist.” (Isaiah 11:5). These clothes are worn inside out, that is to say that they really change us from the inside. They establish identity, foster an attitude of service and sanction a fundamental change in our lives. This Godly garb encourages us with the endowment of hope and the blessings of being King’s kids. This is the ultimate designer label; it has the best guarantee without the high price tag.

With clothes of humbleness, He helps us deal with our pride. “Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5).

When we are depressed the Father provides a garment to lift our spirits. “and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3).

The Father’s divinely provided righteous wardrobe comes in to cover us, the unrighteous, to make possible our salvation and our right standing with Him. With His covering we are adorned
with beauty. "Thy beauty was perfect through MY COMELINESS which I had put upon thee" (Ezekiel 16:14). Comeliness in Hebrew is the word hadar, which can be translated as ornament, splendor, and honor. The Father has put His best clothes on us and takes great delight in what He sees. In all this, His covering completes us. Now, who wouldn’t want to dress like Daddy?

Blessings, Jay

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© 2008 Jay Cookingham - All rights reserved.
Jay Cookingham recently published two articles for the God's Way series. You can visit his home page at http://Jaycookingham.com

This column is used with permission.