When Your Target Is Heaven, Even Your Misses Fall Within God’s Infinite Grace
How do you clothe yourself with Christ daily?
“But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision [nor even think about gratifying] for [the indulgence of] the flesh [in regard to its improper desires]” (Romans 13:14 Amplified Bible).
In Romans 1-11, Paul discusses salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. In this chapter, he exhorts the believers by explaining what right behavior looks like, breaking old habits, loving one another like yourself, not thinking of gratifying the flesh, and clothing yourself with Christ because time is short.
“Clothe Yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ”
A Symbol of Identity: At that time, there were all sorts of customs with their robes and tassels. And clothing symbolized positions in the economy. In today’s society, clothing represents what people see on the outside—it’s an inward reflection of your inner identity. Clothing is also something you must choose to put on daily.
“Do Not Think About How to Gratify the Desires of the Flesh”
The War Within: Paul contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh (sinful nature). Even though believers are in Christ, they must actively and intentionally choose to invest in their spiritual “account” rather than their fleshly “account.” The more the spiritual account grows, the less dominance the fleshly account will have. However, while we live on earth, the fleshly account remains present, creating an ongoing tension as the spiritual account increases. The key point is this: the Christian walk is a journey, and a daily mindset of intentionality and focus on investing in the spiritual account is essential. True value-withdrawals come from the spiritual account.
Never Finished Challenge
Start Your Day with God
Before you choose the “outfit” that represents you inwardly, take a moment to acknowledge God and commit your day to Him. I take the first 10 minutes of my morning to set the tone. As I sit on the edge of my bed, I lift my hands upward and declare these two truths:
1. “God, You have everything I need today (my daily bread).”
2. “I surrender my right to have my way (because pride often blocks growth).”
I have found that these simple yet powerful statements align my mind with a heavenly perspective, aiming my heart toward eternal goals rather than earthly distractions. When your target is heaven, even your misses fall within God's infinite grace.
Your thoughts direct your actions. After saying these declarations, put on worship music and Scripture to fill your mind with God’s truth as you prepare for the day—whether making coffee, tea, or whatever helps you wake up. Next, put your glutes in a seat to read His word (what reading the Bible does: talk to Him, get to know Him, transform).
Commit to this routine at the same time every day. By doing so, you proactively “clothe yourself with Jesus,” investing in an unshakable identity that no earthly or supernatural circumstance can hinder.
What does today say about God:
God is infinitely intentional. If I could go two days without spending time with Him or thinking about eternity and still see radical transformation, I, in my lazy flesh, would never choose to follow Him daily. Yet God, in His infinite love, desires intentional, daily time with me, and I find that humbling and unexplainable with human words. I am invited into the holy of holies daily! Thank you, Jesus!