The Wagley GroupMarch, 2025 – Faithful Living® ~
Some people dread hand-me-downs. Because my siblings and I we were so close in age, our parents just purchased clothes larger so we would grow into them. I must say, the cuffs on our pants were impressive even by today’s standards!
On the flip side, in the process of selling our parent’s home and having an estate sale after dad passed away in 2018, it was a blessing for us to receive and treasure some special items from family life through the years. Among the personal effects I selected, were some of dad’s shirts including several outer garments.
Recently, while my wife and I were in Florida, we went to a large social event and a lady came over and said, “I love your shirt!” I couldn’t help but say, “Thank you. This was my dad’s.”
When I wear one even now, I stand a little taller as I glance in the mirror. On occasion, it will call me back to a time when I saw pops wearing the apparel that now adorns me.
He also had great taste in ties. Over the years, most of these were gifts from mom or us. As he opened these presents at Christmas, his birthday, or Father’s Day, you could see with the look on his face, the ones that would make the cut. I don’t wear a tie very often any more…but I have a ‘dad only’ hanger in the closet that includes 3 or 4.
Grandpa was Senior, dad was Junior and I am triple Joe. I even have one of grandpa’s brown wool sweater vests, that keeps me warm as the weather cools! Wearing some of these JLW clothes, still keeps them close. Remembering brings comfort and peace. Outwardly displaying this attire ‘that all have stories of their own’ is for me, to continue to honor their name.
Now, let’s take this adornment to the next level. What does it look like to wear the garments of our Heavenly Father? These verses from the Old Testament Prophet Isaiah gives us a clue.
I will sing for joy in GOD, explode in praise from deep in my soul!
He dressed me up in a suit of salvation, he outfitted me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom who puts on a tuxedo and a bride a jeweled tiara.
For as the earth bursts with spring wildflowers, and as a garden cascades with blossoms,
So the Master, GOD, brings righteousness into full bloom and puts praise on display before the nations. Isaiah 61:10-11 MSG
If we are individually drawn to wear the ‘free’ garment of salvation, this gift is only because of the shed blood Jesus on the cross. Hopefully this realization will move all Christ followers into daily waves of praise to God. As this joyful reality begins to bloom and take root in our everyday walk, with grateful hearts and unapologetic thanksgiving, we wear and declare the privilege of donning these undeserved ‘robes of righteousness’.
Are Christians exempt from struggles in life? Absolutely not. As a guarantee however, Jesus extends to us the protective ministering cloak of the Holy Spirit coupled with our Lord’s resolute promise to strengthen us through every difficult situation.
Weddings are AWESOME! As both bride and groom get decked out for this special celebration, two imperfect people pledge before God and witnesses, never to give up on one another. This committed intimacy within the bounds of marriage is by far, the closest connection on earth that reflects the complete relationship with our Groom, the risen Christ and His bride, the church. Jesus will never give up on you!
When seasons change, so does the beautiful adornments of the earth. Covering the land with blanketed snow that is resting during winter months; the spectacular array of flowers in spring and summer that enlighten the eyes; and the brilliance of autumn colors gives constant reminders of the goodness of God. With the annual renewal of the earth, God continues to create. Coincidentally, God’s grace and mercy toward us is also new and fresh every morning.
So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3: 12-14 MSG
Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5 ESV
What kind of clothes do you wear? Are they flashy, fashionable and expensive or more muted and/or possibly thrifted from a resale shop? Is your outward appearance more important to you, or is the everlasting covering of Christ of immensely greater value?
May we armor up daily with the suit of abiding love for our neighbor, so our communities may experience more transformational encounters with our Savior. Bring honor to God by wearing the wardrobe of Christ.