Romans 13:11-14
And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Romans 13:11-14 (NIV)
In this verse Paul is writing to the Romans to encourage them to guard themselves by "putting on Christ". He talks about clothing themselves to fight against the evil in the world. Just as we "put on" when we act in a play by wearing the clothing of the character and speaking the part of the role we are in, Paul is encouraging us to act in a Christlike way when we are faced with the evil of the "night."
We certainly are aware of the "night" in our world today. With people warring against each other and the epidemic of mass shootings in the United States, we have a firsthand look at the trouble in our world today. Paul says that "the night is nearly over and that day is almost here". There is hope in each new day.
When we get up in the morning, instead of dreading the light and thinking of the drudgery of the day, we are encouraged to put on the armor of light. Some days we really need that armor, don't we? We need the protection of God's guidance and the belief that he will provide what we need. If you're like me, we try to plan and prepare for every possible outcome on those dark days instead of trusting that God will provide the light for us to see the way.
Questions for Reflection:
- Is there something you can add to your morning ritual that will cue you to "put on Christ"?
- When the darkness comes, remind yourself that God's got this. Is this or another mantra helpful to trust that God provides?
Prayer
Dear Jesus, light of our lives, help us to see beyond the darkness. Help us to trust that your guidance is all that we need. Thank you for shining a light through our darkest hours and helping us to believe in your love and light. Amen
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