Wearing Christ

I wrote this for my church's bulletin a few months ago, but I realize I need the reminder today:

I recently started wearing a cross necklace simply as a physical reminder to me of my faith. Sometimes, though, I take the necklace off when it doesn’t look right with the neckline of my clothing. I wonder if I do the same thing in the spiritual sense too. Do I “take off” Christ when I don’t think He looks right in a certain situation? Do I not always live boldly for Christ because I’m concerned about others’ opinions?

God’s Word tells us that when we were baptized, we became “clothed with Christ” (Galatians 3:27). We don’t make the choice as to whether or not we wear Christ. We are clothed with Christ! An athlete wears a jersey with his or her team name on the front of it. They are representing that team by clothing themselves with that jersey. As Christians, we are representing Christ by wearing Him. We are to live our lives as He would have us to live, as we are part of His “team”.

As members of His team, we are to clothe ourselves with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12). These are the “articles” of Christ are not to be worn only when it is convenient or safe. We are to wear Christ proudly no matter the circumstances.