Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Live Honorably in a dark world

Bible Reading:  Romans 13:8-14

Key verse: Vs  12 The night is nearly over, day is almost here. Let us stop doing the things that belong to the dark, and let us take up weapons for fighting in the light. 13 Let us conduct ourselves properly, as people who live in the light of day

DEVOTION

In a world that often feels overshadowed by darkness – by self-interest, injustice, and a relentless pursuit of fleeting pleasures – how are we, as followers of Christ, called to live? Todays' scripture offers us a profound and practical guide, urging us to live honorably, shining as lights in the encroaching gloom.
Paul begins with a powerful and concise command: "Owe no one anything except to love one another." This isn't just about financial debt, but a spiritual one. Our fundamental obligation is love, for love fulfills the law. When we genuinely love our neighbor, we naturally refrain from harming them; instead, we seek their good. Imagine a world where this principle truly took root – where every interaction was saturated with a sincere desire for the well-being of others. The darkness would surely begin to recede.
The urgency of Paul’s message deepens as he reminds us, "And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already arrived for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." This is not a time for spiritual lethargy or complacency. The night is far spent, and the day is at hand. Our salvation is not just a future hope, but an ever-approaching reality that should ignite a sense of urgency in how we live today. Paul exhorts us to "put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." The "deeds of darkness" are vividly described as drunkenness, sexual immorality, debauchery, dissension, and jealousy. These are the very behaviors that contribute to the world's darkness, dragging individuals and communities into spiritual decay. Instead, we are to clothe ourselves with the "armor of light," which is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
To "clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ" means to emulate His character, to live by His principles, and to allow His light to shine through us. It means making no provision for the flesh, refusing to set ourselves up for failure by indulging in temptations. Living honorably in a dark world isn't about retreating from it, but about actively reflecting Christ's light within it, transforming the atmosphere one loving, righteous act at a time. May we embrace this call, for the dawn is breaking.
 

PRAYER


Gracious God, we thank You  for rescuing us from the dominion of darkness, bringing us into the kingdom of Your beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Amen

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1 Cor 13:13: Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.


Anish Thomas 

Marthoma Church of Greater Washington

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