by Joanie Butman
My husband purchased a new jacket recently. Actually, I don’t know when he bought it. He likes to sneak them in the house and not wear them for a while so he doesn’t have to lie when I ask him, “Is that new?” At which point he responds with an innocent, “No, I’ve had this for a while.” Anyway, buying a jacket isn’t noteworthy by anyone’s standard, but this jacket elicited so many compliments when Bob wore it, he dubbed it “The Magic Jacket.” It’s a nice jacket, but I didn’t think it was anything special other than the fact that it didn’t come from Costco. Regardless, that’s not the point. Every time Bob put that jacket on and received a flattering comment, he stood a little taller with a twinkle in his eye and an extra bounce in his step. Therein lies the magic.
The same can be said when we put on the cloak of Christ. People can tell there is something different. They just can’t put their finger on what it is. It has nothing to do with the individual, but everything to do with the light of Christ. And when people recognize it, you too will stand a little taller and walk a little lighter. It’s the highest compliment anyone can receive.
We all have our favorite outfits that boost our confidence and help us feel good and look good. Advertisers spend millions hawking clothes that will dress you for success or make you more popular or appealing. Mine just happens to be ethereal in nature, and here’s the best part – it’s free. It covers whatever I’m wearing – inside and out. It’s the first thing I choose to don every morning. Even if no one notices, I can’t think of anything more flattering than being clothed in the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Together they create their own kind of Magic Jacket.
Sadly, I have to admit I’m guilty of letting it slip off quickly as I step out of my quiet time and into the day. It doesn’t take much. Life is full of daily inconveniences and challenges that would test the patience of even the most devout Christian – a few minutes on the Apple helpline, for example. It’s a constant effort not to toss off His Magic Jacket and revert to the way I really want to respond to whatever or whomever is annoying me at the moment.
The brightness of my Magic Jacket dims from day to day. Not because Christ changes, but because I tarnish it with my old habits. We’re all a work in progress, but how blessed are we to have the ability to clothe ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14). It’s the most important staple in every Christian’s wardrobe, but we still have to choose to put it on. Choose wisely!
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Ephesians 4:20)
