I read a quote this morning that made me pause: “We misrepresent God when we wear His name but not His character.” It hit me because too often, we see people who claim to follow Christ, but their actions say otherwise. They wear the title, but not the character. Well, I am not just pointing fingers—I am also talking to myself. Every day, I check my own heart to ensure I am living out the character of God. Sanctification is a process, and I am right in the middle of it. I know that as long as I am striving to be who God wants me to be, I am on the right track.

The Monitoring

It is easy to wear the name of “Christian” without walking in the character of Christ. I know firsthand how tempting it can be to slip into just going through the motions—saying the right things, attending church, and checking off spiritual boxes. However, the real challenge is in walking out His love, grace, and compassion every day, especially when it is hard.

Trust me, I have been there. Every day, I ask myself: Am I truly reflecting God’s heart in the way I speak to others, the way I treat people, and the way I live my life? The truth is we have all fallen short, but the key is striving, maturing, and continually checking ourselves to make sure we aren’t just wearing the name but embodying His character in everything we do.

The Wardrobe

I like to think of it like this: imagine God’s character as a wardrobe, filled with garments that reflect His heart. In Ephesians 6:11, we are called to put on the whole armor of God. How often, though, do we pick and choose which garments we want to wear based on convenience or comfort?

It is like walking into a closet and deciding, “I will wear the belt of truth today because it is easy, but I will leave the shoes of peace behind because dealing with conflict isn’t on my agenda.” Or, “I will take up the shield of faith when things are going well, but when life gets tough, I will just leave it at home.” We pick and choose from God’s wardrobe like we are selecting an outfit, forgetting that each piece of His armor has a purpose. Wearing only part of it leaves us exposed.

God calls us to wear the WHOLE armor — EVERY piece. The whole armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit, and the shoes of peace. Each represents an essential aspect of His character. We need ALL of it to live out our faith authentically. Picking and choosing pieces based on what feels convenient or comfortable weakens our walk with Him.

The Process

Here Is the good news: this journey is a process. Sanctification is a process. It does not happen in a day or overnight. It is a daily commitment to growth, to striving to be more like Christ in everything we do. That gives me hope, even on the days when I fall short. God’s grace covers us. As long as we are aiming to grow, we are on the right track.

I remind myself constantly that I don’t have to have it all together. It is okay to stumble, as long as we get back up and keep moving toward Him. The important thing is that we’re putting on the WHOLE wardrobe—not just the pieces that feel good at the moment. Wearing His name without living out His character weakens not only our walk but our witness.

The Right Track

Every day, I challenge myself to make sure I am not picking and choosing from God’s wardrobe like I am putting together an outfit for the day. It is a full, complete armor that we need to wear daily if we are going to reflect God’s heart. I know it is not always easy. Honestly, I don’t always get it right, but I have learned that sanctification is not about perfection. Rather, it is about progress.

We cannot afford to settle for a halfway commitment to God’s character. We cannot just wear His name and not His love, His grace, His truth, and His compassion. The world is watching. More importantly, God is watching. Every time we choose to walk in His character, we grow closer to Him and become better representatives of who He is.

So, what is the solution? It is a daily commitment to check ourselves, to put on the whole armor of God, and to stop picking and choosing based on what is convenient. God has given us everything we need to reflect His heart, but we have to make the conscious decision to wear it all. We cannot just be Christians in name. We have to embody the fullness of Christ’s character.

The Daily Commitment

Together, let us make it a point to truly reflect the God we serve—not just by wearing His name, but by walking in His character. It is about showing up with His love, patience, grace, and truth, even when it is difficult. We are in the process of becoming, and God is not asking for perfection. He is asking for progress, for a heart that is willing to grow and be molded by Him.

I encourage you, as I remind myself, to stop picking and choosing. Put on the whole armor of God. Decide to wear His full wardrobe and live out His character in every area of your life. When we do, we will not only represent Him well, but we will experience the fullness of life He promises which is a life marked by peace, love, and joy that overflows to those around us.

Let us wear His name and His character daily.

With you,

Erika