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)
Paul’s words here are both urgent and hopeful. He begins with a simple but powerful command: Wake up. It’s easy to get caught up in our own worlds and thoughts and daily lives. A kind of slumber where we stop paying attention to what God is doing and only focus on ourselves. We can lose urgency in our faith, grow numb to sin or simply become too busy to notice that eternity is growing closer.
As an educator in an elementary school, we are constantly telling our students that “what you do when no one is looking is who you are”. It’s your character, your integrity. But as adults, what do we do when no one is looking? Do we read our bibles? Go to church? Pray? Help others? Love our neighbors? We all get lax sometimes and turn inward to ourselves. God is wanting us to turn to Him always. When we do that, our priorities shift from pleasing ourselves to serving others. Our focus moves from temporary desires to eternal purpose.
Jesus is nearer than ever before, so let’s live wide awake, clothed in His grace and be ready for His return.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does understanding “the present time” influence the way we live as Christians?
- What does “putting on the armor of light” look like in your daily life?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, open our eyes to see the urgency of this moment. Help us not to drift through our days asleep to your presence or distracted by things in our world. Help us not to cling to habits, attitudes or desires that do not honor you. Awaken us to live with purpose and urgency. Help us to remember that time is short and eternity is near. May our lives reflect your light in every dark place we go. In your name we pray, Amen.
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