Cleaned Up!

When I mow our lawn I wear an old pair of jeans that are grass stained and even have a few holes in them. The shoes I wear are also dirty and almost worn out. That's what I wear because I know I am going to get dirty and sweaty pushing the mower and emptying the grass. When I am done, I clean up by TAKING OFF those old clothes, showering, and PUTTING ON clean clothes that will be more presentable when I go out to interact with others. I also usually get a drink to quench my thirst and eat something to replace the calories burned while mowing. Leaving the dirt behind I am really ready to press on into the rest of my day and its activities.

There are other times we may find ourselves freshening up and CHANGING OUR CLOTHES. What we TAKE OFF relates to what was done in the past while what is PUT ON relates to what we are anticipating for the future. The most significant focus on such relates to our coming to Christ and then pressing on in life in Him.

James exhorted. . .
"(21) Therefore PUT AWAY ALL FILTHINESS and rampant wickedness and RECEIVE WITH MEEKNESS THE IMPLANTED WORD, which is able to save your souls." ( James 1:21 ESV)

The Greek translated "put away" is "apotithemi", meaning "to put off" or "lay aside". [source: W. E. Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words] With James' connection to "all filthiness" we might picture the putting off of dirty clothes. There is the need for the clean.

Paul had the same idea in mind where he wrote. . .
"The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us CAST OFF the works of darkness and PUT ON the armor of light." ( Romans 13:12 ESV)

A change to take place! Something CAST OFF or TAKEN OFF so that something else can be PUT ON. Paul meant the same thing when he urged the PUTTING OFF of the old self -- that which belonged to the "former manner of life" -- and to PUT ON the new self. ( Ephesians 4:22-24) We are to leave the dirt behind! Having CHANGED to proper spiritual garments, we are to also accept the nourishment of the "implanted word". ( James 1:21) It needs to be internalized so our outward life will be properly directed. Then we are ready to press on into the rest of our life and its activities.

Have a great day ALL SPIFFED UP IN CHRIST FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING!
Carl

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