GOD GIVES US CLOTHING
“Why do you worry about clothes?” Matthew 6:28
A blessing that we often take for granted is our clothing. Since our parents usually try to keep us well-clothed, we don’t put much thought into it, that is, until we don’t want to wear something because it doesn’t fit just right, is the wrong color, or seems to be outdated. Then the clothes become important to us.
Wearing clothes began in the Garden of Eden. Because Adam and Eve were sinless, they never thought about clothes. But after they disobeyed God and sinned, they were ashamed of being naked. So they hid themselves. Later they sewed some leaves together to help cover their bodies. God found them hiding and after he promised a Savior, he tailored special garments for them to wear made of animal skins. From then on people knew it was God’s plan to keep their bodies clothed.
Clothing is mentioned often in the Bible. When the Children of Israel were forced to spend forty years in the dessert, the Bible says their clothes never wore out. We know that young Joseph was hated by his brothers because his father gave him a beautiful cloak. In Matthew 3 we read that John the Baptist wore itchy clothes made of camel’s hair, and a leather belt.
God gives us some guidelines regarding our clothes. Paul said we should dress modestly and we should present our bodies as living sacrifices pleasing to God. Peter wrote that people should not see our beauty by the clothes we wear but by our God-pleasing personalities and lifestyles.
Sometimes our clothes becomes so important that we feel we need to wear the latest fashion. God tells us that style is not important. Clothing is simply worn as a covering and to keep us warm. God does not want clothing to become too important in our lives. That’s why Jesus said: “Why do you worry about clothes? . . . If that is how God clothes the grass of the field. . . will he not much more clothe you? Your heavenly Father knows you need them” (Matthew 6:28-30).
Have you ever wondered what you will wear in heaven? Revelation 7:13 says: “Then one of the elders asked me, ‘These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?’ I answered, ‘Sir, these are they. . . who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.’” What a fashion statement that will be!
Never fret about your clothing. See the lilies’ glad array;
Solomon in all his splendor never dressed as fine as they.
From Living for Jesus by Reynold R. Kremer