Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What Not to Wear

My fabulous husband recently took me on a 7 day cruise to the Southern Caribbean. Cruises offer unique opportunities for people-watching and being the person that I am, I noticed quite a few fashion faux-pas. Stacey London would have had a field day! Several days after returning from our trip, I had lunch with my best friend. She shared some very profound thoughts with me that have caused me to think and research a new subject: the clothing of the Bible. I'm not talking about the literal clothing, but clothing that never becomes 'so last year'.

In my search, I found 260 references to clothes, clothing and being clothed. Many references address literal clothing and how it is to be used and/or washed. Other references give specific commands to ensure that the poor and needy are clothed by those who have extra clothing. Yet others draw a picture of how God will put certain attributes on us like well-tailored and impeccably made clothing.

Clothed in salvation- 2 Chron 6:41
Clothed in righteousness, with justice as a robe- Job 29:14
Clothed with joy- Psalm 30:11
Clothed with gladness- Psalm 65:12
Clothes with strength and dignity- Proverbs 31:25
Clothed in garments of salvation- Isaiah 61:10
Clothed with Christ- Galatians 3:27


Balenciaga, Vuitton, Chanel and LaCroix have nothing on these! Joy never goes out of style. Salvation and righteousness are not a mere trend. And unlike a couture gown, the custom-made tailoring of God's clothes are not just for those who can afford. They do not wear out, they do not stain and can be worn to any event in any climate. They get better and richer with time.

"I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me in garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness..." Isaiah 61:10