Clothed 

Recently, I read a book that referenced this verse, and although I’ve read right over it in the past, it made me pause this time.

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ,
and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Romans 13:14

What does it really mean to clothe ourselves in Jesus?

Getting dressed is a private, intentional act. Whether for function, fashion or comfort, we all choose what we wear. We select layers to match the season, the occasion or the mood. Paul, however, is calling us to something far deeper than outward appearance or image. He’s not asking us to look the part of a Christian or to wrap ourselves in performance. He’s inviting us to put on the person of Christ Himself.

To clothe ourselves in Jesus is to let His presence become our identity, our atmosphere and our posture. He is not just someone we learn about or sing to. We must carry Jesus into every room. His peace becomes our environment. His compassion softens our responses. His voice quiets the noise of all others.

This kind of clothing isn’t a once-a-day choice. It’s an ongoing awareness like breath or light. Yet, how often do we try to look like Christians without actually walking with Christ? We study His words, rehearse His teachings and perform what we believe our faith requires, but the invitation of this verse is deeply personal. It’s not about effort; it’s about nearness. It’s not about impressing anyone; it’s about being transformed from the inside out.

Clothing ourselves in Christ looks like:

• Pausing to pray before reacting,
• Forgiving when we’d rather hold on to offense,
• Choosing humility over pride,
• Worshiping in the valley and
• Walking into every room with something to give, rather than something to prove.

Paul doesn’t say “think about Jesus” or “talk about Jesus.” He says put Him on. We wear Him like armor or a covering. When we’re clothed in Christ, we’re protected from lies, strengthened against fear and reminded that our lives are hidden in Him. 

However, the second part of the verse is reminding us that we cannot wear Jesus and still serve the desires of the flesh. His presence can not layer over compromise. So when anxiety creeps in, put Him on. When anger rises, put Him on. When you feel weary or empty or distracted, put Him on.

This isn’t about pretending to be holy. It’s about staying close to the One who is. Jesus is not a distant ideal. He is the perfect garment wrapping us in righteousness, peace and power, and the more we wear Him, the more we look like Him. So, clothe yourself in Him. Take some time to reflect on the following questions as you ponder this verse:

What are you wearing today – spiritually, emotionally, mentally?
Are you clothed in Christ or covered in performance, striving or fear?
What would it look like to “put Him on” in your next conversation, your next decision or your next spiral of anxiety?

Let His presence be what the world sees when they see you. Moment by moment, MAKE ROOM for Him by clothing yourself in Him because He is the treasure. He is the prize.