Read Romans 13:14

As I read these words from Paul, I can’t help but think about our culture today. I reflect on how much stock people place on someone, based on the material appearance of the clothes they may be wearing, what jewelry may be shimmering from their wrists, what latest and greatest makeup and hair products they have. Our choices externally say a lot about us internally. Have you ever noticed that Paul uses the reference to “clothe” or “put on” in more than one section of his letters? There’s importance in who or what we portray. But, like everything, it starts with our heart.

Paul is instructing us of the timeless truth to clothe ourselves with the Lord, Jesus Christ; what do you think he is trying to tell us about this name of Jesus? And how does this affect us?

The Greek writing “to clothe” means to sink into; “Lord” means master or authority, “Jesus Christ” is meaning the Chosen One, the Messiah. Break each of these names apart and you have an entire manifestation of who Christ was, is and is to come!

His name of authority and master brings on a sense of ownership over us. We belong to Him, we are His. He is our master, He is our authority, He is our first, our last, He is our beginning and our eternity, and He is the head. He is our Lord. He is our Savoir.

Colossians 1:16-18 says it perfectly:

“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.”

When we put on the name “Lord, Jesus Christ”, we are not only representing our salvation story, we are representing the story that He wrote long ago. The story of His grace, the story of His power and the perfect love He portrayed on the cross rings out every time you proclaim His name.

So, my challenge to you is, when you proclaim the name of Christ, do it with a reverence that He deserves. You do it in humility. Clothe yourself with the character of Christ. A character that He would see and say “well done.” No matter where you stand in your faith journey, He is Lord, He is Jesus, He is our Christ.

Our Father, our Savior, our Authority. Above all else.

Kelly Lawson

Questions to consider:

• What does this name of Jesus mean to you?
• If you are honest with yourself, how much emphasis do you put into your outward appearance?
• What would happen if we were to put as much emphasis on reflecting Christ to others around you?