Romans 13:14 "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."
Everyday we have a choice in how we are going to live our lives. God gives each of us the opportunity to choose. Deuteronomy 30:19 "Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh that you would choose life, that you and your descendants might live." We must make the choice each day as to how we will live.
That being said, look back at Romans 13:14. Paul says to "clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ." The choice. Will I obey the Word and clothe myself in the presence of the Lord Jesus, or will I put on my own clothes and try to do this day on my own?
When we choose to "clothe ourselves, or to put on the presence of Jesus" do you understand what that means? When we put on His presence, we are then encased in His power, peace, protection, healing, provision, joy, patience, and on and on. We "put on" His authority, clearly marked as one of His children.
At Bethany A/G in Agawam, MA, they have to have a police officer direct traffic onto Main Street each Sunday. Now I don't know the name of the officer, let's call him Tim (that's a cool name!). Tim is a father of two, has a beautiful wife and loves his work. He seems like just a normal guy.
When Tim goes to direct traffic as a police officer, he puts on (or clothes himself with) his uniform and badge. When he stands in the street to direct traffic everyone knows and understands the authority that comes from the uniform and badge that Tim wears. When he puts his hand up, cars and trucks stop. When he waves them on they begin to go again. Why? Because of the authority he has in wearing the uniform and badge. It says, that he has been given authority and the right to do what he is doing by the city and or state.
What do you think would happen if Tim tried to direct the traffic with out his uniform and badge? It probably wouldn't be pretty!
Paul, instructs us here that everyday we are to choose to "put on or to clothe ourselves" with the presence (or the authority) of Jesus Christ. When we do, we then can speak to the mountain and it will be cast into the sea. When we do, we walk in His power and His strength and His victory. Why, would anyone, once they have been given such a great gift, choose to not "put it on" and instead just wear plain clothes?
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