That Uniform Made All the Difference
Well, it happened. I became a soccer mom.
Last week, my little girl ventured out into her very first sport. Since it was her first endeavor, she was, of course, completely decked out: pink cleats, pink socks, pink shorts, and matching hair accessories. And although she’d never played a day of soccer in her life, you would have never known it. Her attitude was in high gear.
She owned that place.
She had meticulously put on that uniform, adjusted her shin guards, put her ball under her arm and walked onto that field ready to go. She was fully engaged. Game on.
As I sat on the side with all the other parents, most of them swallowed in their smart phones, I sat in surprisingly deep thought. My girl was different in her uniform. She had a confidence. She walked with intentionality and purpose. Nothing was gonna shut her down. And everyone else showed the same. Something about putting on that garb, joining the ranks with others, intent on one purpose.
As I looked at my daughter’s confidence, I realized there was one reason she was as sure as she was. She had the uniform. And because of that, she was completely invincible.
My thoughts turned to questions…Do I get that on a spiritual level? Am I that intentional about how I clothe myself?
- Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Col. 3:12, 14
- Use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Eph. 6:13
Do I believe that? Do I really understand that it’s imperative to clothe myself properly?
If my girl had her way, she’d have shown up for the game in a dress and flip flops. Hands down, a formal uniform would not have been her choice. However, she understood she would have been completely out of place and unprepared. Self-conscience. She probably wouldn’t have even had the nerve to step onto the field. That uniform made all the difference.
I sat there and found myself asking…How do I clothe myself? Is it with His kindness and love, His armor and strength? Or do I step onto my life’s fields unprepared, wondering why I just got hit? On those days when I’m exhausted and weary, is it because I fought a good fight? Or is it simply because I was too busy to go into my prayer closet and grab my uniform?
Here’s a quick comparison.
On days (or in those moments) when my mind is fixed on Christ, when I’ve intentionally put on His armor, when I’m believing His truth, I am
- confident in the Lord
- aware of the schemes of the enemy
- focused on my calling
- intentional in my love
When I just race into my days (or my moments), flying fast and furious without bringing myself under the covering that Jesus provides, I find myself
- making choices in the flesh
- believing lies
- more easily discouraged
- more easily scattered across the tri-state area with my thoughts and intentions
Bottom line is it comes down to a choice. Which, frankly, can sometimes irritate the tar out of me because I want it to be so much easier than it is.
-I want to show up in a dress and flip flops, but my days require the body armor of God Himself.
-I want to hold onto my grouchiness, but my children desperately need to know His love, grace and forgiveness.
-I want to wallow in old lies, but my Savior invites me to put on His Truth and experience true freedom.
We have a choice. To walk out onto the field unintentional, crossing our fingers and hoping for the best. Or, we can choose to be decked out in His clothing options, full of His confidence, knowing that through Him, we own this place.
Lord, I choose You. I choose to clothe myself with your Spirit, not my flesh. I will stand in Your armor, not my fears. Let your thoughts be my thoughts, and your ways, mine. I praise You for being all that I need today. Amen.
____________________________________________________
Looking for a great Bible study this Summer?? Beginning June 11, we will launch our Red Letter Summer, an 8-week online study on the words of Jesus through the book of John. Written by the Pastors’ Wives of Foothills Community Church, this study will take an in-depth look at what Jesus really said. Plus we’ll get to know these phenomenal women and hear their hearts for His Word. Join us, and invite a friend!
And yet again you provide a post that is so perfectly written and inspired that it vividly portrays the importance of wearing the garments gifted to us by the Holy Spirit. You were so far from alone when you wrote this, it is excellent! Thank you!
Thank you Angie, all glory to God.
this is so insightful – i’m so thankful i read it today! thank you…
Thank you for this insight on the Monday morning. It was so full of what I needed to hear and was wonderful. What a blessing to know that I can put on my uniform in Christ and that I don’t have to be unprepared. Thanks again.
…and the other thing I was thinking when I read this nourishment is that it was HIS plan that we not be in our uniform all by ourselves…we are part of a team and when united on this “soccer” team of life and pursuing the Goal, we are stronger – we hold each other up focused on the Truth, our love is larger as we share each other’s burdens, and our hands reach further when we join them together! I surely do love our Coach!
So true Carrie, love this. Thanks for unfolding this in an additional light.
Would love to join the summer series. What a great read. Thanks for the reminder.