I was struck recently, while meandering through one of my favorite books, with two concepts juxtaposed as complete opposites: being under the Law as a tutor, and being clothed with Christ. This was the first time the idea of being clothed with Christ found in the book of Galatians made me pause for days. A beautiful word picture is found in many New Testament writings, though Titus 2:10 is my favorite example, with the flowery use of “adorn” in the NASB.

Once, before I was regenerated or redeemed, the Law was acting as my tutor. This tutor was designed to show me my need for a Savior. This tutor was to remind me that God does not help those who help themselves, He helps the helpless, the ones who see–as they look into this mirror of the law–that they are nothing more than lawbreakers. This tutor is a guide, a constant reminder of my need of grace. The law serves a glorious purpose in God’s plan. Christ said He came to help the sick, not those who are well; so it is with His Word–it is a guide to the sinner, a tutor to the one needing redemption.

Galatians 3:23-27   But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

How is it that Paul jumps so radically from the concept of being tutored, to being clothed? While being tutored, one is shown ones neediness and filthiness. While clothed, others will be able to look at that one and see the clothing. Is Paul saying our focus should be the outward appearance? No, for we do not clothe ourselves with our own works or with our own righteousness or with our own efforts and ideas. Rather, when faith comes (notice the tense of this action, faith came to me and not the other way around) then Christ becomes for me a covering. Can people see Him when they look at me? If they do, it is because of His work, not mine; His glory, not mine.

The ending of this chapter is so radical. Though we are talking about clothing, this closes the topic by stating that outward identity does not matter in the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 3:28-29   There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

In Christ, segregation cannot exist. There is no distinction between type, between races, between the sexes, between classes. Christ clothes you and the only identity that matters is “Christian.” God has one people (not two, not several), and this one group is comprised of the true descendants of Abraham, the only heirs of God’s blessings.

This led me to contemplate once again that my identity in Christ is about being, not doing. If I am Christlike, as a stay-at-home mom, my life cannot be measured on my day’s accomplishments, but on whether I am clothed with Christ. If I am clothed with Christ, I will serve, rather than strive to accomplish. Is my life about serving as Christ came to serve, or about doing and being recognized, as most Americans chasing their dreams? Today I will not be building any picket fences as I try to serve my family.

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