Budzban: You’re never fully dressed without Jesus

“Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus.”

— Romans 13:14 (NIV).

Each year at this time, I reflect with fond memories on the routine of sending my kids back to school.

The memories are vivid to this day: “Mother, this just doesn’t fit right, let’s look somewhere else,” my son continued complaining, as he searched to find a pair of comfortably fitting jeans. They were too long, too short, too tight.

As I listened to these words, the thoughts raced through my mind: we will never find something that has a perfect fit.

As a parent, I had a responsibility to clothe my children. I needed their clothes to be as comfortable as possible; shoes that fit and clothes that were appropriate. I wanted them to be safe, comfortable and adequately dressed. After exerting energy and effort, this mission was accomplished.

More than the material clothing I provided for my children as they returned to school each year was the importance that they were wearing the apparel of the love of Christ. They needed to display character traits such as respect for others’ feelings and restraint from teasing, bullying or name calling. They also needed to respect others by not taking their belongings or damaging their property.

These are the principles that will keep them out of the principal’s office and follow them through life. These things will make them an example to others who do not know the loving actions of Christ.

The Bible talks about our spiritual clothing. It is referring to our behavior. We must dedicate ourselves to putting these actions on, just as we put on our clothes. They don’t just suddenly appear on us. We are spiritually dressed as we place them on. This is how we clothe ourselves with Christ.

Make sure you instruct your child in the need to put on their spiritual clothing.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.