Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Spiritual Clothing

When reading Alma 39 we learn that the Lamenite army of Zerahemna was in fear to come upon the Nephites, upon recognizing how prepared they were to come to battle.
 Alma 39:19 : " And when the armies of the Lamenites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing.
 Alma 39:21 " But they were not armed with breast plates, no shields, therefore they were exceedingly afraid of the armies of the Nephites because of their armor, not withstanding their number being so much greater than the Nephites." 
 Although the fear of the Lamenites was in relation to the literal clothing that the Nephites were wearing; I am certain that these Nephites were given support and strength provided by the Lord as a result of their spiritual preparation, or spiritual clothing. 
 Our Father in Heaven works symbolically with us as he understands how strong of a connection that our literal clothing can have on our minds in relation to our spiritual preparation and bringing our minds into remembrance of what actions that we must take, in order to be spirituality supported and safe. 
 We are given an example in the Epistle of Paul. Paul teaches us what actions we must take in order to be spiritual clothed.
 Ephesians 6: 11-18:
 " Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the whiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against the flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against powers, against the rules of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the while armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth and having on the breastplate of righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. "
 Furthermore, today our Father in Heaven so lovingly has given us a very sacred and symbolic clothing, such as the Holy Garments. When we wear these sacred articles of clothing we are reminded of these same instructions given from the apostle Paul, and more. I am so thankful that I have the blessing of wearing these sacred articles of clothing. All day long I am worshiping and reverencing my God as I keep the privileged and all they mean sacred in my heart. 
 From the Mormon News Room we can read about these Temple Garments:
 "To those outside a particular faith, the rituals and clothing may seem unfamiliar. But for the participants they can stir the deepest feelings of the soul, motivate them to do good, even shape the course of a whole life of service.
The nun’s habit. The priest’s cassock. The Jewish prayer shawl. The Muslim’s skullcap. The saffron robes of the Buddhist monk. All are part of a rich tapestry of human devotion to God.
Not all such religious vestments are on public display. Some are seen only in places of worship. Temple robes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known as the robes of the holy priesthood, are worn only inside Mormon temples and reserved for the highest sacraments of the faith. White symbolizes purity. There is no insignia or rank. The most senior apostle and the newest member are indistinguishable when dressed in the same way. Men and women wear similar clothing. The simple vestments combine religious symbolism with echoes of antiquity reflected in ancient writings from the book of Exodus.
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are no outer religious vestments in ordinary worship services.
However, many faithful Latter-day Saints wear a garment under their clothing that has deep religious significance. Similar in design to ordinary modest underclothing, it comes in two pieces and is usually referred to as the “temple garment.”
Some people incorrectly refer to temple garments as magical or “magic underwear.” These words are not only inaccurate but also offensive to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There is nothing magical or mystical about temple garments, and Church members ask for the same degree of respect and sensitivity that would be afforded to any other faith by people of goodwill.
Temple garments are worn by adult members of the Church who have made sacred promises of fidelity to God’s commandments and the gospel of Jesus Christ in temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To Church members, the modest temple garment, worn under normal clothing, along with the symbolic vestments worn during temple worship, represent the sacred and personal aspect of their relationship with God and their commitment to live good, honorable lives.
The Historical Background of Temple Garments
Biblical scripture contains many references to the wearing of special garments. In the Old Testament the Israelites are specifically instructed to turn their garments into personal reminders of their covenants with God (see Numbers 15:37-41). Indeed, for some, religious clothing has always been an important part of integrating worship with daily living. Such practices resonate with Latter-day Saints today."
 I know that as I wear the Holy Garment while remembering what it means to me and keeping them and my promises sacred, I am prepared spiritually and literally, as they can be a literal protection, just as the clothing that the Nephites wore; keeping them safe from the Lamenites.
 I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.Amen.

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