Romans 13:12-14 – The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

Paul considered the time of Christ’s return and the consummation of salvation for believers as the start of a new day. The present time, while Christ is absent and Satan is at work, is described as the night. Since “the day” is almost here, Paul appealed to his readers to put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Christians are soldiers in a conflict who need to be on guard and dressed for battle. Upright and Christ-honoring living is often referred to as being in the light. In verse 13 Paul repeated his exhortation, changing the figure from warfare to lifestyle. He charged, “Let us walk properly, as in the day.” Crime, violence, and wickedness are associated with darkness and the night. The activities and attitudes he listed are certainly “works of darkness.” Such actions and attitudes have no place in a Christian’s life. These deeds and thoughts belong to the darkness. A Christian’s lifestyle must be pure and holy, especially in view of Christ’s imminent return. The secret to living a pure life is for you to clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ. At salvation you were clothed with Christ, so you should conduct yourself accordingly. Also, the secret includes not thinking about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For a believer to plan out specific ways to gratify his sinful nature is wrong and does not glorify God.

Challenge:

What are some tasks that you do every single day without fail? Brush your teeth? Wash your face? Comb your hair? Get dressed? Drink a cup of coffee? Eat a meal or two or more? Many of these tasks you do with little to no thought whatsoever. They have become routine habits that are part your everyday. In the same way, everyday you should put on the Lord Jesus Christ. This means preparing yourself for the day ahead and equipping yourself for the battles that may come. I would reason that this is the most important thing that we need to do everyday without fail. So why is it that this is one of the most neglected routines for believers? Heading out into your day without putting on Christ would be like going to into a war zone without carrying any weapons. I challenge you this week, before you take one step out the door, to prepare yourself for the potential battles that may lie ahead for you. Whether you read your bible or read a devotion, get the word of God in you. Whether you listen to a message on Christian radio or a podcast or worship music, get your mind on the Lord. Say a prayer and ask God to go before you and give you protection and opportunities to share with others what He is capable of doing in their lives. God bless you.