Originally Posted by
AbstractArtist
I have been thinking about the idea of clothing yourself in Christ as well. I think that Jesus describes it best by telling us to deny oneself and take up their cross. I think that Jesus is asking us to be free from our false self and ego. We often hide behind our (false) ego and sinful prideful nature. If you experience a loss of your (false) ego, it can be scary because you question who you are and your purpose. Before it was clear; however self absorbed. After our old ways are behind us; we need a purpose and direction. Hence, the taking up our cross for the sake of love, truth, purity, and righteousness. Hence, removing the possibility of a dark night of the soul. When one becomes a child of God through grace and forgiveness, there is a new sense of purpose and a new song in your heart.
Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
To expand on this new life in Christ, I often go back to the parable of the true vine. Every branch that bears no fruit is cut off and every branch that does is pruned as to produce more fruit for the kingdom of God. Spiritual growth is a never ending process.
John 15:1 (Jesus states) I am the true vine, and My Father is the keeper of the vineyard. 2 He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.
5 I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.