Why do we go to great lengths to prepare ourselves for specific events by how we dress? Is it possible to work on the outward man but the inner man is not dressed right and the inner man sabotages us? If going for an interview, one will pick their best suit, hiking and we slip into a track suit and sneakers, if a dinner date, one will have their beautiful sequined gown all set.
Is it possible to work on the outward man but the inner man is not dressed right?
When King Ahasuerus in the book of Esther sought a replacement for Queen Vashti, Esther and other women went through a rigorous period of preparation . Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women.
Perhaps it was meant to give her a certain fragrance or make her skin smooth. Remember, King Ahasuerus was spoilt for choice in the bevy of beauties but God clothed Esther with inner beauty-His favor. She found favor with everyone that saw her and ultimately the King. While that may have been the custom to go through such rigorous regimen, should we not take time to prepare, work and dress our inner man who is the real us ahead of what we expect from God. Perhaps it’s a promotion and you have advanced in your studies in preparation for the expected role but have you worked on the soft skills in your character that you will need for that position?
How do I change the dressing of my inner man ?
Just like we glance at a mirror to tell if our hair is in place, if the beard has been shaved right or if your lipstick is smudged, the word of God is a mirror for our inner man. The more we study it the more He shows us who we really are and things we need to change ,so as to be aligned to what His word says. That we are to be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
In spending time with God in prayer as well and He changes not only our countenance but inner man clothing as well.
Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Spending time in the presence of God transforms our inner man and how we are dressed in the spirit man.
As we cultivate a relationship with Holy Spirit, He will quicken us to see rough edges in our character . He may illuminate pride in us, perhaps a lack of compassion. Take time to ask God for His help and for Him to adorn you with those virtues that best dress your inner man. Perhaps you’re missing tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Study scriptures to see what pieces of dressing of your inner man needs changing or that need an upgrade.
...PS to my lovely ladies,always look your best for yourself first:-).Be the best version of yourself.A star.Most importantly,never loose sight of pursuing the unfading beauty of the inner you :-).
Above all the preparations we can make,say for that job, a big business, perhaps even being someone’s wife or husband, the most important preparation we need is – getting ready for Jesus when he comes for his bride. “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks
Be ready and dress well!
(Esther 2,Colossians 3:12-14,Luke 12:35-38,Mathew 17:1-2)
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