Finding clothes on fashion sites or in magazines is one thing, but have you ever found clothes in the Bible? Clothes that God expects you to wear?
Have you paused at your closet door to scan your clothing options for the day, breathing out a perplexing sigh: “What will I wear today?” or “What will I put on?”
We make our choice for the day, check it for wrinkles and spots, put it on, look in the mirror and then head out the door. Admittedly, some clothes look better on us than others. We feel comfortable in them and we think we look not-too-bad.
We strut out the door, believing we look pretty-decent and all-together – maybe even cool, sassy or classy – if that’s what the occasion demands. Every mirror we pass, we discreetly sneak another look. We feel good because we think we look good. Our confidence level is high. We meet and greet people with more gusto. Our actions and reactions have more life to them – we have more energy. Our posture, even the way we fold our arms, or position our head changes when we know we look good!
One of the items in the Bible wardrobe is a must for you to wear every day. God wants you to attach-to-your-attire an apron today – in the house and out of the house! Maybe you’re not into aprons! It doesn’t matter. God wants you to wear one anyway. And yes, it will be conspicuous.
“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 1Peter 5:5
Clothing ourselves with humility simply means (in the original language) we are to wear the apron of humility, modesty, lowliness and service. Probably, burned into the Apostle Peter’s mind was the scene of his Lord, wrapping a towel around His waist and crouching to wash Peter’s dusty and tired feet. (John 13)
I am to deliberately attach that piece of cloth – that apron to my attire every day. It’s the symbol, the badge of a servant. Someone once said: “If I were to pick out two phrases necessary for spiritual growth, I would pick out these: ‘I don’t know,’ and ‘I am sorry.’ And both phrases are the evidences of deep humility.”
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You can tell someone who has the ‘apron’ on. They are modest – not cocky. Humble – not proud. Meek – not domineering. Self-effacing – not arrogant. Reserved – not mouthy. Gentle – not blunt. Restrained – not outspoken. Cautious – not bold. Peaceful – not troublesome. Their words, their texts, their online-posts and their emails reflect a warm sensitivity, a gracious style and a humble yieldingness. Sharpness of tone is absent, and harshness of words is too. Sarcasm is non-existent. Total respect is apparent, and their default is to honour the person with whom they are communicating.
This applies to elders communicating with the flock; to young people interacting with elders and seniors; to preachers and teachers and their audience – yes, it applies to all of us in every situation. “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another.”
Those wearing the required piece of clothing will take the low place. They gravitate to the small tasks others wouldn’t bother doing. They pay attention to those who are snubbed by others. They don’t push themselves out into the limelight. They prefer the shadows. They aren’t looking for opportunities to be noticed. No, they are wearing the apron.
Wearing the apron is the spiritual outcome of consistently spending private time with Christ. The degree to which I am enjoying Christ, is the degree to which ‘the apron’ will be obvious in my life. You get like the company you keep. The apron automatically appears on those who are following the Master closely.
I may be able to speak eloquently about the Master and expound truths about Christ, but really, with a little bit of intellectual ability and a flair for public-speaking – why wouldn’t that be possible? My ability is a poor measure. The real test of my spiritual maturity and intimacy with Christ is the attitude I display and the words I choose, not just in public – but, more importantly, in private communications. After all – most of us should be able to pull-off an impressive stage performance. The test is my private and off-the-record approach to others – how I approach a sensitive issue or a potential area of conflict.
When my attitude or words show that the apron is not tied around my waist, there’s only one straightforward explanation for it: I have not been spending enough time sitting at the feet of my Master.
How do I spend time with Christ? Quietly reading my Bible contemplatively, and praying, praising and worshipping in my private corner. Regardless of what clothes we enjoy wearing, there is nothing the Lord likes better than to see us wearing the apron of humility.
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ
Peter Ramsay
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