J.O.Y. – Jesus On You by Debra Torres

            Aeropostale, American Eagle and Abercrombie … oh my! Today’s brand-named clothing makes a heavy mark on our teen generation doesn’t it?  When my boys turned a certain age, and the hand-me-downs and Wal-Mart sale rack suddenly didn’t cut it, I had no idea what I was in for. I remember the day I found out. I was on a field trip with my son where I was surrounded by young teens his age. I was waiting in line for something and doing a bit of “people watching.” Looking at the kids around me, I was amazed at all brand names I saw plastered on their shirts and hoodies. It was an epidemic!

I’m really no different. In my day, we had our own brand names.  In the 80s folks wore popular clothes like Izod, ESPIRIT and Gitano. And for myself today, even though my choices are more for comfort and warmth, what I put on still matters to me. I guess there’s still a certain image I want to reflect. 

In some strange way, brand names  can seem to “identify” us with who we want to be. And yes, I’m talking to you “John Deere” and “Harley” fans too!

In a sermon I heard last Sunday, the pastor made a reference to the cross and having it as our identity. He talked about the importance of having Jesus “on” us. Pointing out someone in the back of the church, he said that he could see Jesus all over them. It was then that he made the cute acronym that I liked--J.O.Y – Jesus on you. You know, I know what he meant. There have been times in my life when I could sense the presence of God on a person so strongly that I could see it their eyes.

The Bible talks about this in Romans 13:14:  “Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.”

I remember once when I visited a physical therapist for the first time, and she came out to the waiting room to greet me.  After introducing herself and talking with me a bit, the physical therapist gently put her hand on my back for a moment to lead me in the direction of her examining room.

Later, when I began to tell her about myself, she beamed. “I knew you were a Christian when I put my hand on your back,” she said, a believer herself. “I just felt it!”

She felt it?! What a compliment – probably my best ever. Because, you know, like most people, I love it when someone makes a positive comment something I’m wearing.  But it wasn’t the brand on my shirt she admired, nor was it the leather tab on my jeans, but it was Christ on me and in me – the hope of glory.

I remember reading about Moses’ journey through the desert with the rebellious Israelites. Whenever Moses would go up to speak with God and learn his commands, it says in Exodus 34 that: “the skin on his face shone because he had been talking with God.”

Wow! Now that’s some serious evidence of God’s presence. In fact, this was so powerful that it freaked out the Israelites a bit, and Moses took to wearing a veil over his face whenever he was done speaking with God!

So, when we’re dressing ourselves each day, we need to remember what’s most important to put on. And, I’m not saying that wearing brand names is a bad thing. In fact, I make my kids laugh when we visit a big mall and I make a bee line for their favorite teen clothing stores. Hey, I gotta keep up don’t I? But, as I’m working on my “cool mom” image, I hope that above all - they see Jesus on me. 

Ephesians 4:22-24 (New Living Translation)

throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception.  Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

1 Peter 3:3-4 (New Living Translation)

Don’t be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.

Psalm 149:4 (English Standard Version)

For the LORD takes pleasure in his people;
he adorns the humble with salvation.

Debra Torres writes about life and the Christian walk in a way that’s real and personal. Check out her free devotions over at ChristianBlog Devotionals. It’s a down-home Christian devotional blog that'll water the garden of your soul.

 

©Debra Torres Copywriting and Design. Writer retains full reprint rights.
 

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