Today is a special day. It starts at 2pm. It has been in the diary for a long time and the last few years it has been about this moment this afternoon. But let us read our next few verses first:
“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 armour 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 v 11-14)
Today my daughter is being ordained as a Reverend. It’s a special day for us all.
We are up early. The food is being prepared. Clothes are washed and ironed. We are eagerly awaiting the 2pm service. There is a sense of excitement and rightly so.
This is not the time to spend the morning getting dirty in the garden; neither is it the time to get stressed about other things that need doing; it is the morning for reflections of times past and dreaming for the future; it is the morning for thanking God for all He has done and the family and friends that have supported her to this point. It is the morning of love and kindness.
Why do I say all this?
Paul is wrapping up a section about Christian lifestyle (that he began in our chapter 12).
We don’t know the time but 2,000 years ago Paul believed the day of Christ’s return and what will be in effect our glorious ordination as believers is upon them. Well …. Even more so now!
What’s occupying your attention today? Make sure it is Christ.
What are the temporary, earthly desires that you are tempted to chase after?
Is your life being wasted on things that pass away?
Are you dressing your attitudes and conversations and behaviours with that of Christ?
Why? It is nearly 2pm.
Missions Paul 