A New Wardrobe – Breath of Life Women's Ministries

by Jenny Harrison

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone: a new life has begun.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

My closet may not look much different than yours. I am not a huge clothes shopper, but have accumulated many garments over the years. My clothes consists of winter, summer, spring, and fall items as well as a variety of sizes. (chunky, skinny, and somewhere in between). There are light and dark colors, solids and prints, with a few holiday specific items. There are dressy, casual, and VERY casual (these would be my really old and comfy stuff that I wear to hang around the house and roam on the farm.) Lets not forget the shoes. I have heels to go with the longer pants and flats to go with the shorter ones. They also come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles. (My personal preference is barefoot. I feel that shoes are way over rated.)

While I possess the obvious wardrobe, there is one set of clothing that is not as visible. The ironic part is, I can wear any combination of this wardrobe and not fully be aware I am adorned with this garment.

While the cost is not likely to affect my banking account, it most certainly makes a difference in my spiritual and emotional reserve. Similarly, the alternate, and not so obvious, wardrobe I speak of comes in various shapes, sizes, and styles.

These garments are old, tired, and unflattering yet I tend to drag them out on occasion. I have been tempted to discard them, as they tend to use unnecessary space but I just don’t seem to completely be able to rid myself of them. Perhaps some of my tired, old rags are familiar to you.

Defender cape: This is apparel that comes in handy when I am not comfortable with change: change in myself, change in my environment, or change in others. When wearing this cape, I am the mighty defender of the rules. With great confidence, I can quote the obvious “ought to,” “got to,” and “should haves.” This cape comes in handy in that it is less time consuming to pull out the proverbial check list than to tend to matters of the heart.

Cloak of Pride: I wear this when I feel unusually self sufficient. I tell myself I can do all things by myself and don’t intend to admit a fault or weakness anytime soon. Asking for help is uncommon when I am adorned with this particular piece of clothing.

Masks: Why limit myself to one when I can own the whole set? I use these to hide my shame, guilt, inferiority, and fear. At times, this appears to be an acceptable alternative to showing my weaknesses. After all, who would really accept me with all of my flaws?

But my sisters there is hope from the bondage and lies of the evil one.

Ephesians 6:10-11 (NLT) reads:
A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

It only gets better. As I read further, each piece of my new and improved attire is listed….
(taken from Ephesians 6:14-17 NLT)

A belt of truth.
The body armor of God’s righteousness.
Put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you may be fully prepared.
A shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.
A helmet of salvation.
The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Praise the Lord!! As I read these words I feel my sweet Savior’s loving arms around me as he whispers in my ear, “Jenny, my precious child, the cape, cloak, and masks you are wearing are entirely unnecessary.”

Precious Savior, I come to you this very day with humility and gratitude for your unending love. I pray sweet Lord, as I walk through this world, I choose to put on the whole armor of God. You have provided a shiny new suit so I may never again be forced to wear my rags of fear and shame.

The old life is gone, a new life has begun. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)