“24-Hour Fitness” is the name of a chain of fitness
clubs. It is also a ‘fitting’ description of the Holy Spirit’s work in us. Jesus
said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is ‘fit’ for the
kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The Holy
Spirit makes us ‘fit’ by stretching us, like leather, like new wineskins” (Matt. 9:17).
Speaking of "fit," having lost 25 pounds since last Fall, I have few clothes that do. And since we were going to attend my niece’s wedding,
I had to go shopping for something to ‘fit’ me, but would
also would be ‘fit’ for a wedding. Now speaking analogously, this last year has been a real stretch for me. But hopefully, it has made me more ‘fit’ for God’s work, and better ‘fitted’ for the Spirit's infilling.
Paul practiced 24-hour fitness, always straining and stretching toward what lies
ahead”
(Phil. 3:13). He also acknowledged that fitting and stretching, though painful, was necessary
(Heb. 12:11) in order that someday we all will be properly 'fit' together in Christ (Eph. 4:16).
Do you have one of those recurring dreams where you are out in public and suddenly realize you are naked? Such dreams are fairly common—they reveal subconscious shame. In the Garden, Adam and Eve were naked without feeling shame. Only after the Fall were their eyes opened to their nakedness. In sinning, they lost God’s image, His glory, and without that, they had nothing—naked and ashamed of it. Thus, the first clothing ever worn was constructed of “fig leaves.” In our sophistry, we think them naïve—trying to hide their nakedness from God. But allow me to ask you this question: when you’re not feeling good about yourself, does it make you feel better to put on something new and flattering—the latest fashion? Or maybe it isn’t clothes; maybe you put on performance, entertainment, intelligence…all of which are intended to make you feel better on the inside by something external.
When Peter says a Godly woman is not defined by clothing but by the “unfading beauty of a gentle & quiet spirit” (1 Pet. 3:4), he provides a clue to our problem of shame: “clothes don’t make the man (or woman).” Mind you, Peter is not saying she shouldn't wear clothes, but her longing for beauty is misguided; it can only be satisfied when she is clothed in God’s glory. Listen to Isaiah: “I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom in his wedding suit or a bride with her jewels” (61:10).
Therefore, “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness & holiness” (Eph. 4:24)... “clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience…and the most important piece of clothing... love” (Col. 3:10-12), and you will “not be found naked” (2 Cor. 5:3). When God reveals to you the glory of your new nature, I’ll bet you won’t be having those naked dreams anymore.
