The Fashion of Our Lives

Just like we choose what clothes to wear each day, we also choose what to "put on" spiritually and emotionally. The question isn't whether you're wearing designer brands or thrift store finds - it's much deeper than that. The real question is: Who are you wearing?

Don't Put On Things That Limit You

Many of us are walking through life wearing things we've outgrown - relationships, mindsets, and habits that no longer fit who God is calling us to be. Just like a child struggling to play in pants that are too small, we restrict ourselves from the calling and new places God wants to take us.

The rich young ruler in Matthew 19:21-22 faced this exact choice. When Jesus told him, "'If you want to be perfect, sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven'" - Matthew 19:21, the young man walked away sad because he had many possessions. His earthly riches didn't fit what Jesus had for him.

The treasures we cling to have no comparison to what Jesus offers us. But like the rich young ruler, many of us choose to go back to things that no longer fit our lives - relationships, addictions, or lies that keep us from operating in God's plans.

God wants to "accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think" - Ephesians 3:20. But we need to make room. We need to let go of what doesn't fit us anymore so God can work in our lives.

Don't Put On Things That Weren't Tailored for You

How many of us are spiritually walking around in clothes that don't fit? We put on false expectations, burdens, and pressures that were never meant for us. Social media tells us we should accomplish certain things by certain ages, be perfect parents, or measure up to others around us.

But what if those expectations weren't tailored for you?

Learning from David's Victory

When David prepared to fight Goliath, King Saul offered him armor. But David couldn't fight in something that wasn't made for him. As 1 Samuel 17:39 tells us, David said, "'I can't go in these... I'm not used to them.' So David took them off again."

David had already defeated a lion and a bear - not with armor and swords, but with a sling, stones, and most importantly, God's presence. When facing Goliath, David declared: "'You come to me with sword, spear and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of heaven's armies'" - 1 Samuel 17:45.

Don't allow social media comparisons to compete with the anointing God has already placed in you. Use what you've already been through - your testimony, your trials, your victories. As Genesis 50:20 reminds us, "'You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.'"

The Must-Do Every Day: Put On Jesus

The best fashion advice anyone can give is this: put on Jesus every single day. Romans 13:14 instructs us to "clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and don't let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires."

Why Jesus is the Perfect Fit

• Jesus looks good on everybody
• Jesus is good in every season
• Jesus is one size fits all
• Jesus never goes out of style
• Jesus is always available
• Jesus should be your everyday go-to

When we put on Jesus, He covers all guilt and shame. He takes our messiness, pain, and brokenness and does something far greater than we can think or ask.

Jesus as Your Daily Reminder

When you clothe yourself with Jesus' presence, you carry reminders of who you are in Him:

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" - John 16:33

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God" - Isaiah 41:10

"I can do all this through him who gives me strength" - Philippians 4:13

Jesus is Lord, Not an Accessory

It's crucial to understand that Jesus isn't just an accessory to add to your life - He is Lord. When Jesus comes into your life, He doesn't just visit; He takes over completely. He wants to be Lord not just in the good areas of your life, but in the worst areas too. Not just in great memories, but in your deepest pain.

Jesus takes your brokenness and makes you whole. He wants to be represented over everything else in your life.

Life Application

This week, take an honest inventory of what you're "wearing" spiritually and emotionally. Are you putting on things that limit you - old mindsets, toxic relationships, or habits you've outgrown? Are you trying to fit into expectations that were never tailored for you?

Make the daily choice to clothe yourself with Jesus' presence. Find practical ways to remind yourself who you are in Christ - carry a scripture in your wallet, wear a cross necklace, or keep a Bible visible as a reminder that you need Jesus more than anything else.

Questions for Reflection:

• What am I wearing today that no longer fits who God is calling me to be?
• Am I trying to meet expectations that were never meant for me?
• How can I practically remind myself daily to put on Jesus' presence?
• In what areas of my life do I need to let Jesus be Lord instead of just an accessory?

Remember, when you put on Jesus, you're not just adding something to your life - you're allowing Him to transform everything about who you are.

Pastor Noel