Daily Devotional: Day 227
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Romans 13:14, NKJV).
Do you know your personality type? In many educational or occupational settings, one is expected to take a personality assessment test. There are a few personality assessment tools out there. Some take these tests out of obligation, others out of curiosity. Whatever the rationale for taking these tests, the various personality type constructs show us general behavior patterns of individuals. Today, we want to apply the personality type concept to the Christian life and draw out essential lessons for our walk with God. Look again at today’s opening passage. At first, the passage seems like any other passage, but upon close examination, you will find that it is one of the most intriguing and profound statements in the whole Bible.
Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, and he says to them, “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” The words “put on” are translated from a Greek word which means “to wear” (a dress, clothing, attire). Normally, when you meet people, you see them in their clothing. It’s the first thing you see. If you met people and they were naked or not appropriately dressed, you would notice immediately. What you wear can make an impression on people. How we dress and what we put on, communicates a message. What Paul is saying to the Christians in Rome and to us is, “Put on Jesus Christ like a clothing,” or, “Put on your appropriate clothing, which is the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Note that Paul didn’t ask them to wear crosses around their neck. When followers of Christ were first called “Christians,” it wasn’t because of man-made religious objects or signs they wore; but rather, it was because of their character and commitment to the person and message of Christ (cf. Acts 11:26). Therefore, putting on Jesus Christ means putting on and manifesting the character of Jesus Christ. It means manifesting the personality type of Jesus Christ in your daily walk. Let’s call it the Jesus Christ of Nazareth (JCN) Personality Type.
No one can ask you to manifest something you don’t have. Therefore, the fact that the Bible tells you to put on Jesus Christ means you already have Christ in you. However, it is one thing to have Christ in you; it is another thing to manifest Him. If you have football skills (and abilities) in you, but you don’t play the game, what good is it? If you have a nice shirt hidden in your closet and you never wear it, what good is it? Similarly, if you keep saying you have Christ in you, but your character doesn’t show Christ, what good is it? Christ comes into you when you are born again and baptized. That is the first time you receive the character and identity of Christ like a clothing. In Galatians 3:27, the Bible says, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
Now after putting on Christ – in baptism – it is time to show Him to the world. For the rest of your life, your mission is to display the JCN personality. When people come into contact with you, it shouldn’t take long for your JCN personality to become evident. The JCN traits include, but are not limited to, the following: loving, peaceful, joyful, patient, chaste, kind, humble, secure, truthful, self-controlled, bold, meek, powerful, righteous, faithful and prayerful.
It is an honor to have the Jesus Christ of Nazareth personality type in you. Don’t hide it. Wear it with pride.
May the Lord command His blessings upon you. In the Name of JESUS. Amen.
For further study: Colossians 3:5-17 and Matthew 5:13-16
Higher-Self Realities 