Romans 13:13-14 (NRSV)
Read Romans 13:13-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Verse 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Devotion
As we start a new year in the church, we think about our life as we grow another year older. The text says: “Conduct ourselves properly,” and “… stop giving attention to your sinful nature.” Each of us faces two choices many times every day. When told to “Enjoy life – have a good time,” we must pick between the two ways offered to enjoy life.
Looking at life as "short," we tend to make the most of it and seek pleasure, even if it hurts others. Christ asks us to live differently. He asks us to live a life of joy, faith, hope, forgiveness. It helps us enjoy life – not for ourselves, but for others.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give us new ways of helping others and ourselves. Amen.