How do you decide what to wear when quarantined?
As I scan the clothes in my closet, I quickly grab the most comfortable outfit. Lately, the occasion is almost the same every day. I am chasing around a 3-year-old and 1 year old, meticulously organizing every cupboard and closet, and preparing food for my family. Can you relate?
I am dressing for comfort and that reminds me of how I sometimes cling to the comforts of this world to sustain me rather than Christ’s promises. Placing my hope in worldly comforts fails to give me an eternal perspective that is full of joy & confidence.
It is in the frenzied moments of worrying about the coronavirus and choosing fear over faith that I recognize my need put on Christ’s spiritual armor by the power of the Holy Spirit so that I can lift my eyes to things that are above. (Colossians 3:2)
The coronavirus quarantine restrictions are driving me into a deeper understanding that life is MORE than food, clothing, and kids activities.
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” Matthew 6:25
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:33-34
LIFE is the Kingdom of God. In that Kingdom, there is spiritual comfort in Christ. He provides. He knows. He teaches. In His Kingdom, we put on ARMOR.
With faith and our confidence set on Christ and His kingdom, we get dressed in spiritual armor.
I almost titled this section “spiritual underwear”, but I was laughing too hard for one and secondly that word picture doesn’t accurately compare how intimately these truths apply! It should not only adorn your outer body but fill your soul.
In Ephesians, Paul writes to the believers.. “I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ….” (Ephesians 1:16-20a)
These are some of the possessions we have IN CHRIST:
– The spirit of wisdom
– Knowledge of Jesus by the Spirit
– Hope in Christ for eternal life,
– Unthinkable riches with all believers from all time
– Power from God through the Holy Spirit!
Please read all of Ephesians to more fully grasp the “new life” that Paul is describing.
His love and gift of new life empowers us to joyfully rise in the morning, serve our children with thankfulness, and fearlessly serve others with creativity in the face of the coronavirus, because our kingdom is not our home, or our world, but in heaven.
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannon be shaken, and thus let us offer acceptable worship, with reverence and awe,..” (Hebrews 12:28)
In His kingdom, it’s the heart attitudes that are at stake because they reveal where our treasures are. Let’s prepare and train ourselves to fight in the spiritual battle.
Every day, and especially these days, God tells us what we are to put on… put on the full armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil” ( Ephesians 6:11) In the confidence of Christ’s love and assurance of His Kingdom we put on THE WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD. This armor is more that a can of Lysol and a face mask. Our safety lies in Christ. Death is defeated. The enemy is still “prowling around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8. Watch out. Put your armor on and carry your sword!
So, what do you wear in a quarantine? You wear the Word.
I’m going to paraphrase this passage (see chart below), but please read it for yourself and with a spouse or loved one for added encouragement. (Ephesians 6:10-20). This is the spiritual armor that God calls us to put on and I’ve added scriptures and ways that I use this in my life as a mom who is serving God! I hope this encourages you with a war cry to prepare yourself to serve your children and community!
Click on the table to enlarge it.
If you have never put on the spiritual armor, I dare you to try. See how wearing this armor changes your view of the world and gives you the boost you need to live in the Kingdom of God with joy, fearlessness, love, and compassion for those around you. I love you all and am praying for you.
For the Kingdom,
Linae
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