In this life stage, I spend most days in joggers and a hoodie, with my hair in a messy bun. This “uniform” for working from home as a homeschooler of four covers all the things I need it to. It’s comfortable, largely resistant to spilled juice or science experiments gone sideways, and if a child or dog goes rogue, I’m prepared to run them down. My outfit meets the needs of the day most days. Now and then, though, I decide I should really start “dressing up” more. So, when I do manage to put on “real clothes,” my kids usually meet me in the hallway with these classics: “Whoa, you look fancy. Where are you going? Is someone coming over? Do you have a meeting? Is it not on Zoom? Should we clean up?” I know— it’s astonishing what questions a pair of jeans and some mascara will get you. It’s also one of my life goals to get them to understand we don’t just clean for people to come over. But the reality is, a change in my routine, whether clothing or behavior, makes them curious about what’s going on today that’s different.  

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We can have a similar experience when we come to Christ. As we walk through Isaiah 61, we get to verse 10, which celebrates us being clothed in garments of salvation. The Bible repeats this idea in a few places. Our key verse today reminds us that as believers, we’re clothed in Christ. The Bible also tells us we’re a new creation in Christ – the old is gone (2 Cor. 5:17). Before Christ, we were clothed in sin, shame, guilt, darkness, and more. We’ve been given the gift of new garments— clothed in Christ, in salvation, and in righteousness. Those new garments, and the lifestyle changes that come with them, are going to make us look different. People will want to know what you’ve got going on in those new clothes!

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Some things will change immediately, and some things change over time. At the moment of salvation, all believers are immediately clothed in Christ and free from the eternal consequences of sin. That’s called justification. We’re in right standing with God, the holy Judge. Beyond that, some fortunate folks are released from the grip of specific sins and habits at the moment of salvation or in other supernatural experiences during their walk with Christ. What a miracle! But for most things, God goes about changing the day-to-day substance of our habits, preferences, and minds over time in a process called sanctification.  

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Sanctification is largely a work of God, but we play a role in the process, too. We do this through our ongoing obedience, submission to Christ, and repentance. The Bible tells us to put off the old self that’s being corrupted by evil, and to put on the new self that is created to be righteous and holy (Eph. 4:22-24). God has given us these new garments, but we have to choose to walk in them. There will be moments when we want to slide back into the old things – habits, thought patterns, or behaviors, because we’re most comfortable with the familiar. Just give me my old sweats already! This is true for new and seasoned believers alike. But as always, what God has for us is so much better, friends. He loves us too much to leave us as slaves to sin, clothed in filthy rags. Thankfully, all we need to become like Christ is found in Christ. How amazing is that? He equips us through the Holy Spirit to walk well in our new clothing.

Where are you most tempted to slide back into an old, comfortable habit or behavior that needs to change? Sanctification is a challenging process, but it’s a worthwhile one, too. Are there areas of your life where you’re experiencing God’s conviction? The first step is repentance. We have to acknowledge our sin and ask God to forgive us. We can also ask God to help change us, to give us the wisdom, courage, strength, or whatever we need to turn from sin. If God is convicting you on something, you can trust He’s in the process with you.

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There are things you can do, too, after you pray. We’re better together, y’all! Who knows your struggles? Are there believers walking with you through the messy or ugly parts of your life? It may sound uncomfortable, but vulnerability in a safe community of believers can provide encouragement, accountability, and prayer support when you’re serious about getting out of sin. I know there’s a real possibility that for some reading this, that sounds really scary. You may have mixed experiences with “church people.” But God designed us for community, and within ACF, there are many small, healthy communities called Life Groups. There’s a spot for you.

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If there’s not a group that meets your schedule or needs, why not reach out to the office and see about helping to start one? You can direct any emails about groups to office@acfak.org. Remember, there are no perfect people at ACF. We all just want to be more like Jesus. We need you in process with us!