He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him..... 2 Corinthians 5:21
A friend was telling me that she was depressed by a posting, on Facebook, of an old boyfriend and his new girl. This woman apparently had the "Barbie doll" looks (slender and curvy), and was dressed to impress with designer clothes.
I told my friend that she too, wore designer clothes. She looked at me sort of funny, not understanding what I meant.
Our culture places a huge emphasis on the outer appearance these days; in fact, physical looks have always played a large part in humanity's focus. People are fascinated with how others (both men and women) appear from the outside..what they wear, how much they weigh, their hairstyle, etc.
There is something very wrong with this scenario; emphasis being given so much importance to something as fickle as appearance.
What I meant, when I told my friend that she wore designer clothes, is that she is clothed by 'The Designer' in an outfit of righteousness, because...Jesus Christ is her LORD.
Jesus modeled the "original" for us when He walked on this earth. This beautiful outfit is different from other designer clothes because it is worn on the inside of the body, in the heart.
Righteousness is simply being right with God, and to be right with Him, the heart has to exhibit love, through humility.
Jesus did not want it to be an exclusive garment, worn only by Him; He wanted everyone to have one. Even though these outfits were very, very expensive, Jesus paid the price Himself (with His own blood). He made one available for every human on the entire earth, and each is custom-made by the Designer.
There is an outfit of righteousness with each person's name on it. All one has to do is ask God for the outfit that Jesus purchased for them, out of His love. It is a free gift.
...the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe..Romans 3:22