|
| Put some clothes on, for Pete’s sake!!! |
|
| |
Naked we were born into this world. And yes, when we were still babes, our nakedness was considered cute. But as grown-ups, let’s get real. It just isn’t that attractive anymore. In fact, au naturale can be downright ugly. What am I talking about? Revealing our sinful nature, our core self-worshipness. Baring our natural selves!!
Once we’ve claimed Christ as our Savior, you would think we would relish our new robes of righteousness, bought for us at such a great price!! God saw our nakedness, and he covered us!
4:7 Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
But there comes a time when we need to learn to dress ourselves! Do you know how embarrassing it is, when a professing believer suddenly shows off their bare self, their “birthday suit”? It’s downright awkward when it happens in public!!! When I witness such a thing, I never know what to say, and have even been known to blush! (Truth is, I’ve let my own covering slip a few times!)
You know what I’m talkin’ about! Anger, spite, pride, arrogance, lust, cynicism, despair, resentment, unforgiveness, revenge, sexual immorality, impurity, impatience, hatred, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, envy, overindulgence, harshness, etc.
We need to keep ourselves clothed and decent! Or at least, presentable as believers. When others look at us, they should always see Christ, our covering, NOT the “natural” us. Unfortunately some even brazenly walk around in the “buff”. Ooh, I shudder. Such believers really need a little, ahem… modesty and humility? 13:14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.
For Pete’s sake, put some clothes on!!!
|
|
| To add a comment to "Put some clothes on, for Pete’s sake!!!" |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
 |
|
|
I'm so glad I stopped by today. EXCELLENT.!
My Truth also, I've have let my covering slip.
I thought of this Mike, what is done in the dark will come to the light.
sometimes God will uncover us and let us walk around naked too.
Be Bless, Love to Family Always. See you soon at C3 |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
"sometimes God will uncover us and let us walk around naked too."
Yikes, another reason to read God's word consistently. Doesn't James say it's like a mirror? :) Thanks Terry, I'm glad you stopped by too! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
AMEN!! I had never showed-off my body/chest much even as a young adult. I showed off for my hubby, that was it! LOL
It especially hit me when long ago I read that a woman should not tempt gentlemen with her body by wearing indecent clothing, causing HIM to sin. Wow, what a way to word it! It really makes you think! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| You know, there's some nakedness going on around here too. Some people think they're clothed, but something else is showing...... (blushing!) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Yes Mike and a lot of times people don't realize that they are walking around naked. This reminds me of the story of the Emperor's New Clothes. Everyone pretended that the empeor had clothes on because they didn't want to look like fools. sounds like a lot of people in the church! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
'Delle, great comment!! Lighthearted too...I appreciate that! In perfect tone w/the blog! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Shamefully it is our nakedness in the church that turns away the non-believer. They see the fruits that are NOT of the spirit and thier heart grows a little harder.
Thanks for the list here Mike, it is good to be reminded of these. While most of them are gone I must work on patience and despair.
|
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Wow, GREAT point Reb!!! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Thanks Jay...yep, like Terry said too! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Jay...I'm thinking about your point... about the naked emperor. That's GOOD! I've got a naked emperor in mind now! (a self-proclaimed emperor, that is) He's nekked, and he don't even realize it!!!!! I pity him! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Mike, You have served up another thoughtful and tantalizing blog. We indeed let our clothing slip or sometimes tear it off because we feel we have a "right" to because of an injustice done, a wrong suffered. Rather we are to be circumspect, self-judging, and watchful of those times we would let our covering slip so that we do not live the way we did before we knew Christ. "So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed. [Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel]." (1 Peter 1:13-14). The Word of God clearly tells us otherwise. I am curious as to why, knowing all that I do, do I ever think acting like I did BC is appropriate or of any value?!! Ah, and there is why He compares me to a sheep--not the brightest animal in barn! :-) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
I like how you put that, Coreena. Indeed, sometimes we tear off our clothes and jump right into.......(gulp) sin! We dive right in, it looks so appealing!! Great thought!!! (if not somewhat embarassing!! lol)
ps... We are in that barn together, and we are not alone! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Yes, sometimes we don't see it unless we use the mirror.
GOOD BLOG!! = ] |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Naked/Vulnerable before God puts us in a position of humility, ready to receive -- but naked/vulnerable before the enemy is like painting a bullseye on us! Ouch! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Your list reminds me, there isn't anyone who won't at some point find themselves in this "nakedness". We live in an evil world with so many people who don't know JESUS, and that makes me realize how much more we who know the TRUTH have to strive not to fall into those sins because we are continually setting an example for someone. Very cool blog! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
You're right Michelle. It's like we live in a GIANT NUDIST COLONY!!! Yikes! These people around us have nothing on!!! (Those who don't even know Jesus, the only covering of righteousness that exists, are always bare!!) But that's what makes it all the more embarassing when we who have the TRUTH join them! (boy, the parallels/analogies just keep rolling in!) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| LOL...LOL...I agree 100 percent ;o) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| I was reading a blog on MyChurch just last night, when the comments started coming in. And ya know, someone just had to tear their clothes off right then and there!!! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Thanks MarJay! :) Amen to the mirror, Bubbles! Yep Grammy, the enemy jumps on naked people! (ew) ...is anyone else uncomfortable with this topic? lol |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| In those moments of nakedness we boldly proclaim we are still christians with our bare butt showing (what a shame). I have slipped, as most of us have but I pray that I can feel the wind whipping at my bare -------- and rush to my Father for forgiveness. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
LOL! Oh Mary, you really are in the spirit of this thing. Good for you! Good for us all!! =) I love you sister! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Humility is key!!! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| AMEN Panda!! That is why 1 Peter 5:5 says, "All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another.." |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Amen! Ephesians 5:1-2
Therefore be imitators of God,as beloved children; and walk in love.just as Christ also
loved you and gve Himself up for us,an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
|
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Mike, just last night I almost didn't go to the women's ministry meeting. I had never gone to one in my church. I have always been working over an hour away and didn't get started. Sunday in church they announced and I decided to go and got excited about it. I did too much about the house yesterday and my abdomen swelled so that I couldn't get into clothes. I went through my closet piece by piece and felt defeated as I couldn't close my COVERING. I thought about just staying home and then pulled on a pair of plaid pajama bottoms and long sleeve tee shirt and told my husband that God is more interested in what is INSIDE me than outside. I am going. I had a wonderful time of fellowship and love with my sisters at Moyock Assembly.
Found out I was not the first to attend in pjs, but the only one with a real reason to. :) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Mike Great blog, sometimes we have the childlike mentality when it comes to being covered. You know when a little kid puts their hands over their eyes and they think that because they cant see you, you cant see them? Well many Christians (me included) have and do walk about thinking that no one can see what they are doing, when infact everyone can. More importantly we need to remember that God sees all things ALL the time. Lord help me to get dressed each day before I allow myself to be seen by the world! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Haha nice blog, Daddy. Great lesson, I really learned something from it; you have such a talent. =) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Cathy, "be imitators of God"....kind of like putting on a God-robe, isn't it? Thanks for poppin in! Pastor Tim...oh thank the Lord!! hehe :) Thanks bro, loveya! Stu (Minister of...), thanks, and what a great response! Much like the emperor has no clothes syndrome! Juanita (higher..), yes God looks at the inside, but we're stuck seeing the outside! lol Fabulous point, sister, thanks for adding it. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Sherlock - what a lovely, lovely thing to say. I'm gonna have to think of a way to reward you for that... =) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Mike, great blog: It's insightful as well as everyone's comments. You must be busy today keeping up with all the posts. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Amen...and don't forget to take a bath before you get dressed. We need to cleanse ourselves of our earthly nature. "Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." (Psalm 5:2). "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5). We need to clothe ourselves in what...compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:12).
|
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| I think sometimes God has our clothes stripped.....because even in the clothing we can be naked, just hiding it well from other christians we wouldn't want to see it.........kinda like a soldier stripped of his stripes........then it's all bare before (as my superintendant used to say) God and everyone! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Hi Mike
I'm not sure what to think about this. :-) I think many christians including myself do try and keep those ugly things covered. I happen to be struggling with a few of those ugly things right now in my life but other than my wife nobody would know it. I have had people say things like wow you always seem to have it together when inside I would be bleeding. Now for me I am sick of covering those smelly things up. What I want is to be healed of those things so I don't have to hide anymore. Your story reminds me of the lepers in the bible that would cover up those ugly sores etc. I remember one in particular who ran into Jesus and he went away with great joy no longer having the disease. I know you well enough to know that this really isn't news to you. You are a godly man through & through as I'm sure anyone in here would attest to. I guess I mention this so that others who I don't know may not know that there is more than fig leaves available for those who want it. God is good. Your blogs always provoke good thought and principals. I appreciate them & you for your transparency.
I just thought of something funny. Have you guys seen that capital one commercials. They are a bank company who shows the other bankers hiding in the walls of the persons house like rats. The guy shakes his head at the owner and says yes it looks like you have bankers. You have to see it. Take Care Mike |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| We must always remember that God is watching, and so are others who look to us to show what a Christian should be. If we clothe ourselves in Christ, we have the proper clothing to be a great testimony of our faith to everyone. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Very good blog! And I felt fairly clothed till I read the slip ups. What I am saying, I think you knocked my socks off. LOL! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
This is one great blog. I just had to share it with my husband. Your tone (personality) is funny...in a good way. Thanks for sharing. I know what you mean about being naked. Last week, I actually uncovered myself by getting frustrated..that was the old garment...I quickly ran to the Father to get my new garment :) |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Aha.. the idea!
I understand what you're saying, Mike. For if not for Christ, we would run for cover; to hide from Him. But thank God for His mercy, grace and the gift of His Son, as He covers us with a robe of love and wipes away our guilt and pettiness. We are cleansed, and as for me... I need Him constantly. Love, Joey |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| In royal robes we don't deserve we long to serve Your Majesty |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Amen- Melody Green,The late Keith Greens wife and head of Last days Ministries for many years had a track about appropriate clothing in the physical snese among believers.Particularly the ladies. The heart is wicked and who can know it ? I dont want to go to church and see your thong displayed or your cleavage looking at me like its waiting to get swiped by my atm card. Put some clothes on!!!! I agree- Spiritual nakedness is ometimes what it takes to be true to ourselves and God.If I understand the analogy correctly.Maybe I dont - you mean that the ways of the world should not be visible in us - I dont think they are supposed to be there at all and if they are its time to come clean with a fellow believer about how much of the old is till there...put a tux on a pig and its still a pig . |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Dear Mike and Laura,
Your blog brought to mind the deployable way Paula Deen rected to her wardrobe malfuction. How we need to be oh so careful how we present ourselves. Paul says to put on Christ. To take off the old man and put on the new man. The Fruit of the Holy Spirit is the clothes we wear. Jesus said it is by such fruit that others may know us. Paul says to be on the Armor of God as the spiritual clothes we are to wear. Great blog. Blessings to ya!
Pastor Chuck |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
I fully understand the point Mike, and I have found myself embarrassed more than once. Like has been said, we need to find that place in redemption where we can be like David, and dance before God's ark, clothed only in His righteousness. I was also reminded of the woman in CS Lewis's Great Divorce, if you looked upon her you saw she was naked, but then you realized that she was more than naked, she was dressed in His Righteousness, because of the things she had done in His name. Her husband looked upon her and only saw who he thought she was, instead of who she really was. In defense of some of my many forays into nudity, I was trying to be transparent before Him, I just missed the mark, and fell really short of His glory robing me......sorry old friend.
btw....nice blog ! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| "But there comes a time when we need to learn to dress ourselves! Do you know how embarrassing it is, when a professing believer suddenly shows off their bare self, their “birthday suit”? It’s downright awkward when it happens in public!!!" It has taken me a long time to submit myself to God's will. Praise God He is long-suffering! I do, cuz I have. Yes, I am sure I created awkward moments for more mature Christians, but I thank God they handled me with grace and did not shun me in my ignorance. I may not be here today if they had. |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Great Blog and comments Y'all
Why do you think Peter said "do not shy away at His coming"........Jesus has caught more than one without proper attire on, which would cause us to shy away like Adam & Eve did ! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| A reward?? For merely stating that you have a wonderful talent for blog-writing?? Wow!! :D |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Yep "Sherlock"...reward! :)
Yeah Tom, we better be dressed at his coming lest we have reason to shy away!
Jewlz, we've certainly all been there. And isn't grace charming? |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Thanks Dennis...there's more than enough forgiveness for all our awkward moments.
Oh goodness Brenda, please do!!! lol
Deb, clothed to be a testimony...neat phrase!
Larry, that list gets most of us!
Liz, praise God for the robe of righteousness. That righteousness must be given to us is a truth many of us struggle daily to apply!!
|
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Thanks Destiny! And I understand about running to get covered back up. Sometimes it just dawns on us...man, it's kinda drafty in here! lol
Thanks so much Teral! Yes, I fell behind...but only b/c I have to work! :)
KoC..."put a tux on a pig and its still a pig", LOL. That's funny, man! Actually you have me thinkin. The tux is Jesus, and we are the "pigs". Except that the bible tells us we are a new creation. So I guess it's more like putting a tux on a child of God who sometimes ACTS like the pig he/she used to be...? The analogy of the pig kinda falls apart (as ALL analogies eventually do, at a point) because we will always have the human brain with its human tendencies until the day we die (or are raptured). |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
Pastor Chuck.....wardrobe malfunction..LOL. Now there's something I would have fun putting into an analogy of the Christian life, lol!
Joey...I need him too! You really get it sister!
Bren, yes clean! How foolish to put new clothes on a filthy body?
CindyLou, I admit, I hate when he does that! |
|
|
| February 24, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Norman, I hear ya, and thank you for the thoughtful comment! Hmmm, now maybe you show me where MY analogy starts breaking down. In reality it's more than just about covering up what we don't want others seeing in us. Fact is, as we submit to Christ, spending time in devotion to him, he cleanses (sanctifies) us, and the ugly underneath slowly goes away. So that if our clothes fall off it isn't so bad. (I'm tired and not sure if this is making any sense anymore...sorry!) Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it!! |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
Clothes
Sadly I looked in my closet at clothes that no longer fit
So I comforted myself with a snack and in my recliner sit
Clothes that once were comfortable and looked so good
Got too small when I did not eat the way that I should
No longer wearing humility I lounge in my pride
As if that fools anyone as my fat I try to hide
The work out clothes of patience wore out long ago
No time for exercise too much to do you know
Peace that passes understanding got too tight
I changed to something bigger so I could fight
My favorite outfit of love which everyone adored
Got a big hole in it when I felt I was ignored
The joy that I once knew got worn way too thin
I doubt that I will ever be able to wear it again
So many clothes I have that I can no longer wear
I know I should dress better but why should I care
I now wear one size fits all or too many x's to count
My bathroom scale no longer goes to my amount
The glances of desire are now a faint memory
I am still beautiful but my weight is all they see
But in my Beloved's eyes I am still His blushing bride
My imperfections and flaws before Him I do not hide
With His patient encouragement I am now losing weight
Determined that for Him I will once again look great
Clothes dont make the man I know that this is true
But often we are judged by what we wear not what we do
.....peace.....
|
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
I fought the urge to strip off my clothes and flaunt my nakedness just yesterday. Don't run anyone, I managed to keep my covering. I had mailed a disability check to my bank because I couldn't drive and they held it from my online availability because I didn't take it in person. I called to ask about it and gave the bank my info to identify me and was asked if anyone there would know my voice so they could make it available to me. I said that I have been dealing with a branch in another city for the past year but voice recognition didn't make sense to me when they have security questions I had answered completely. They refused and I had to wait the time period. So yesterday, I went in the bank with another weekly disability check in person, as I am now allowed to drive. I had to complete a change of address they failed to do when I left the other city. The manager took my ID, changed my address and walked my deposit to the teller. I was following behind her when I heard the teller exclaimed, "Oh, I know Juanita" but I had never seen her before. The manager and I just discussed at her desk that I didn't know anyone there so I wouldn't be able to use voice recognition. I swear I was speechless for the moment but said "I am sorry, I don't remember meeting you before. " Her smile faded and said she didn't know me either., it must be a different Juanita with another last name. I laughed and said as nicely as possible that I would allow the manager to explain the voice recognition thing. The old Juanita would have flung something sarcastic with a jeer about not even being to identify me by full name. I didn't throw my nakedness about. It was just funny instead and we both laughed together. I allowed myself to be covered in compassion for an awkward moment in that manager's life and let the love cover my nakedness. The truth is I felt better for doing so. I keep reading this blog and the comments and seeing the analogy of nakedness and covering from a dozen or at least three different ways. I have spoken before of the kindness of modesty for woman and men regarding physical uncovering which is what KOC touched upon. I saw this at the prayer rally in DC when it was hot and sisters were clothing that didn't conceal enough and brothers were out there to pray for America with cleavage in their faces. Not so kind and counterproductive in the spiritual warfare. We have responsibility. I also see the nakedness as the anger or greed or lust or whatever other sin showing that prevents non believers outside the fold from wanting any part of Jesus Christ. If I had been ugly or naked with the manager it would ruin any attempt to share Christ with her down the road. And I see the point of view of folks pretending or hiding what is ugly and not yet purified as the one comment suggests. Jewlz wrote a great blog on wearing make up about that. I know when I share with the sisters and brothers my flaws, they identify. I think the big difference is humble confessions about the work in progress, not hiding our journey as opposed to someone being in sin without regard to those it affects. whoa, it is just six am and I wrote a book already today. be blessed, juanita |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
Gordon...way to take the analogy and RUN with it! lol.. Awesome, I really appreciated it!! |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
Good morning Juanita!! =) Wonderful analysis....yes, I see the 3 different ways too. Perhaps the "clothing of Christ", that "robe of righteousness", encompasses all 3, maybe not. But that's ok. We all agree it is better to be clothed than not!!! LOL ps... Loved your comment, loved it! Thanks so much for the time you put into it...you are an excellent communicator, sister!! :) |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
Great article, Oh and a favorite outfit of mine is
Humility
not to mentioin my whole armour of God
God bless |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Humility is one beautiful garment, Yvelisse! |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Great post... I like to think about this not only as clothing ourselves literally, but that we need to cloth ourselves spirtually. You don't want to be left out in the cold. |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
Psalm 73:6
"Therefore pride is their necklace. "
Pride can be seen far away. So can humility. Good blog. |
|
|
| February 25, 2009 |
|
|
|
Excellent verse, doveagle!! Wow, how true! The proud are easily seen for what they are....proud! And the humble may think we don't see them at all.....not so! Humility stands out like a sore thumb!!!
B.Illuminated - thanks! Yes, the analogy of physical clothes was used to illustrate the need for spiritual clothing...i.e. Jesus! :) |
|
|
| February 26, 2009 |
|
|
|
| I found it quiet interesting. |
|
|
| March 01, 2009 |
|
|
|
This ones hurts. I went to one of those nudist camps and they asked me to get dressed. This was as painful as the time I met the Surgeon General and he offered me a cigarette. |
|
|
| March 01, 2009 |
|
|
|
| My mentor put it in a way that totally made a light bulb go off. When I told her I felt like I was being fake and wearing a mask when, say, I was nice to hubby when I wanted to strangle him. She told me very wisely, something like, "You ARE putting on a mask; that is you are putting on Jesus." Bingo! the Bible actually says that, too!!!! So are we putting on an act in front of ppl? YES! Righteous "acts". Putting on Christ-like character. If we "act" long enough, it becomes a part of us. If we "practice" what we preach, we will get it right after a while and it will just become a part of us.I like being "real", but I'm not being fake putting on Christ-like character, and denying what my flesh wants to say or do, and instead, doing and saying what Christ Jesus said to do. |
|
|
| March 01, 2009 |
|
|
|
That's right, Lara. Don't act natural!!!! lol! (in that case at least!) David...lol! Thx Megan! |
|
|
| March 06, 2009 |
|
|
|
| haha, THANKS AJ!! Great to receive your 'amen'! |
|
|
| March 07, 2009 |
|
|
|
| The only time it's O.K. to rip those clothes is when you're going to change in to the sackcloth of grief and repentance often for shedding the original clothes to go skinny dipping in sin.So often we settle for wearing the worlds trendy,bare it all clothes when we could and should be wearing Gods designer clothes.If we wore Gods designer clothes we'd bare all but in a way where people would want to know where we got these designer clothes & be led to Christ to be created new again,the inside as well as the clothes. |
|
|
| March 07, 2009 |
|
|
|
| skinny dipping in sin...HAHAHAA!!! Well said! |
|
|
| March 27, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Interesting way of expressing it, makes you think - same applies to some of the comments. Thanks and God bless you all. |
|
|
Follow this blog
