Feathers, Gloves & The Red Carpet of Life

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 13:13)
Put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. (I Thessalonians 5:8)I love watching the red carpet. Only on “red carpet” nights do you find yourself pondering such philosophically important questions as, “Is that skirt completely made of feathers?” and “Is Madonna really wearing only one fingerless glove?” Anyhooooooo…
A few nights ago, the Golden Globes award ceremony ensued. Actors and actresses donned formal attire as they strolled the red carpet, all smiles for the blinding camera flashes. The Husband was flipping back and forth between TV channels, but every now and then he’d pause to watch Entertainment Tonight interview the” A-list” performers.
I was, as always, fascinated when the interview questions had little to do with actual movie or television show performances. In fact, generally only one question was asked each actress, “Who are you wearing?” Referring of course, to the designer of the gowns worn by the stars. “I’m wearing Versace,” one performer replied. “Well, Gucci designed this dress just for me,” crooned another.
Can you imagine someone responding, “Actually, I’m clothed in the Lord Jesus Christ. As you can see: faith, love, and the hope of salvation.” Boy, would that camera man topple over! The interviewer would smile and cut to a commercial.
Yet in the Bible’s book of Romans, we are told, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ.” Now, don’t be headed out to an awards ceremony in your birthday suit. Rather, I think God means he wants us to follow Jesus’ way and not the way of SELF.
This week I’ve been studying Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians. I came across this verse in chapter 5:8, “Put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.” Breastplates covered your heart during battle, and helmets protected your head. I think God means that faith in Jesus, love for your neighbor, and the hope brought about by the cleansing of your sins…well, these keep us going through the day to day battles of the life on earth.
Just a few thoughts to ponder.
By the way, who are you wearing?