Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
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Verse 11Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; Verse 12the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 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
It seems we have gotten pretty comfortable with quarreling, debauchery, and licentiousness. We may be troubled by drunkenness, but mostly when driving. We let our political leaders get away with most anything as long as the stock market stays healthy.
If I seem a bit cynical, I am. One might say "old-fashioned." Which can be partially explained by the fact that I have gotten really old. I will continue to believe we are called to live our lives guided by two body parts: head and heart.
For sure, many will still not believe as we do, will not come to follow Jesus. But we must certainly want the world to have respect for the way we conduct our lives. "Let us live honorably." I don't always agree with the apostle Paul, but to these words I add a loud "Amen." As loud as an old guy can shout, that is.
Prayer
Dear God, give me a good memory for who I am and what I am about. I was baptized. I am clothed in the garment of Christ. I was given a brain and a heart to do good in this world while there is breath in me. Help me to do so. Amen.