A Remedy For Spiritual Nakedness

Some folks who would never think of wearing shorts or any other apparel that insufficiently covers their bodies, leave their souls without a stitch on them. This is a shameful condition, just as physical nakedness has always stood as a symbol of shame (2 Samuel 10:4; Isaiah 20:4). If physical nakedness is a shame, how much more should we be embarrassed about the spiritual nakedness of our souls.

The church at Laodicea thought they were spiritually rich and clothed, but our Lord said, “and knowest not that thou are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17 KJV). He counsels them to purchase “white raiment that thou mayest be clothed” (Revelation 3:18 KJV). It is therefore possible to think that one is sufficiently clothed, and not know that the shame of his unrighteousness is laid bare to the eyes of the Lord (Hebrews 4:13; cf. Psalm 90:8).

There is a remedy for spiritual nakedness, and that is clothing the soul by righteousness. This righteousness involves purity of character (“white raiment” — as Jesus described it), love for the Lord (1 John 4:16-21), and complete submission to his will (Matthew 7:21). Jesus said to John concerning his baptism — “For thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15 KJV).

We see that Jesus was totally submissive to His Father’s will — and so should we be — that we do not appear naked and ashamed on the day of judgment (2 Corinthians 5:1-3,10).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets