Clothes

When Adam and Eve sinned by disobeying the Lord’s command not to eat of a certain tree in the garden, they instantly knew that they had done wrong. They felt ashamed, and realised they were naked, and they were afraid to meet with the Lord.

After the Lord had pronounced His judgment on them and on all creation because of their disobedience, we read that ‘The Lord made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them’ Genesis 3:21). God cared about their nakedness and provided for them, even though they had failed Him. But to do that He had to kill an animal and skin it, in order to teach them how to clothe themselves.

I’ve been thinking a lot about clothes recently in the very cold weather we have been experiencing here in the UK at this time. It’s been a major operation to get ready to walk in the town. First, I need a double layer of clothes first thing in the morning. Then before I take our dog out, I need a hat, a scarf, a thick jacket, two pairs of gloves, and boots with ice grips, as there’s ice outside. I don’t like being cold, and I avoid the rain when possible.

I’m grateful for the clothes I have, and the warmth in our home, but I’ve been thinking about the words of Paul in our scripture today. He tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. I have to do it myself with the help of the Lord, and it’s a constant challenge every day.

Another thing Paul said was ‘Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh’ (Romans 13:14).  Now that is tough when it comes to feeling physically comfortable, at least for me! Perhaps it is for you, too.

I think it’s really about what, or who, comes first in our lives. Am I ready to die to my own plans, when the Lord calls me to step out of my comfort zone, and to serve Him wherever He chooses, and in the way He wants?