Living as Children of Light: A Call to Wake Up, Clean Up, and Suit Up

In a world filled with chaos, uncertainty, and darkness, the message of Romans 13:11-14 resonates deeply with us. The Apostle Paul calls us to recognize the times we live in and to act accordingly. He urges Christ followers to wake up from spiritual slumber, clean up their lives, and suit up in the armor of light. This message is not just a reminder of our faith but a call to action in our daily lives.

Are We in the Last Days?

As we look around, it’s hard to ignore the signs of our times. Natural disasters, wars, and societal upheaval raise the question: Are we in the last days? The answer isn’t straightforward. Reflecting on personal experiences from decades past, it’s clear that every day brings us closer to the return of Jesus. Paul reminds us that we are indeed closer today than we were yesterday. Each moment is a step toward Christ’s return, and we must live with that awareness.

Wake Up!

Paul's first command is to wake up. In Romans 13:11, he states, “It is already the hour for you to wake up from sleep.” This isn’t just about physical alertness; it’s about spiritual vigilance. Many of us can relate to the feeling of spiritual lethargy, where we go through the motions of faith without a genuine connection to God. It’s easy to become comfortable, but Paul urges us to shake off that passivity.

So, how do we know if we are spiritually asleep? Here are some signs:

• Lack of Passion for God: When our love for God grows cold, our spiritual practices become mere obligations.
• Complacency in Faith: We avoid challenges that stretch our faith and rarely step out in obedience.
• Unawareness of Sin: Living in sin without feeling the need to repent dulls our conscience.
• Indifference to Others: We become unconcerned about the spiritual condition of those around us.
• Lack of Urgency: We prioritize earthly pursuits over God's kingdom.
• Isolation from Community: We drift away from Christian fellowship and accountability.
• Ignoring God’s Voice: We fail to respond to God’s promptings in our lives.

If any of these resonate with you, it’s time to wake up. Acknowledge where you are spiritually and seek God's help to revive your heart.

Clean Up!

The second command is to clean up. In Romans 13:12, Paul says, “Let us discard the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” This is a call to examine our lives and remove anything that doesn’t align with God’s will. We are called to walk decently, reflecting the character of Christ in our actions.

Paul contrasts darkness with light, urging us to rid ourselves of behaviors that dishonor God. Here are some areas to consider cleaning up in your life:

• Stop Justifying Sin: We often carry sins as if they are acceptable. It's time to confront them and surrender to God.
• Evaluate Relationships: Are there relationships that lead you away from Christ? Consider whether they need to change.
• Examine Thought Patterns: Are your thoughts aligned with God’s truth? Challenge any negativity or doubt.
• Let Go of Old Habits: Identify habits that hinder your walk with God and take steps to eliminate them.

Cleaning up isn’t just a one-time event; it’s a continual process of surrender and transformation. As we do this, we must also remember that God’s grace is sufficient for us. When we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive (1 John 1:9).

Suit Up!

The final command is to suit up. Paul instructs us in Romans 13:14 to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” This metaphor of putting on Christ is powerful. It means allowing His presence to permeate every aspect of our lives.

What does it mean to put on Christ?

• Live in His Power: Our strength to overcome sin comes from Christ. We cannot do it on our own.
• Reflect His Character: Our actions, attitudes, and words should reflect Jesus. This requires intentionality in our daily interactions.
• Be Mindful of His Return: Living with the anticipation of Christ’s return motivates us to live righteously.
• Engage in His Mission: We are called to share the gospel and make disciples. Being equipped means actively participating in God’s work.

As we suit up, we need to remember that our lives are testimonies of God’s grace and truth. The world is watching, and we have the opportunity to reflect His light in a dark world.

Conclusion

Living as children of light in a dark world requires action: waking up, cleaning up, and suiting up. Each of these commands is rooted in the reality that Christ is coming back, and we are called to live in a way that honors Him. This isn’t just about personal holiness; it’s about impacting the world around us. As we respond to Paul’s message, let’s commit to being vigilant, intentional, and reflective of Christ’s light in all that we do.

Let us pray for the strength and courage to wake up, clean up, and suit up, so that we may live as true children of light in a world that desperately needs hope.