It's Time to Awaken!

"And as men's diversions increase from the world, so do their entanglements from Satan. When they have more to do in the world than they can well manage, they shall have more to do from Satan than they can well withstand."  - John Owen

In Romans 13, the apostle Paul earnestly imparts the importance of the various duties expected of believers. These included: the duty of obedience to the Governing authorities, the duty of keeping the Commandments, and the duty of Christian love.

These serve as an inventory of the responsibilities which every Christian should be aware of. Unfortunately, many have slipped into the sleep of sin, or comfortable apostasy, and are happy just where they are.

While we sleep this sleep of spiritual deadness, we are in danger of missing out on our share of eternal happiness. Because now it is much closer to us than when we first became Christians. "For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed." (Romans 13:11).

It's time to snap ourselves out of it; to get on with the task of performing our Christian duties. For too long do we sit on our laurels, content with the way things are, more than happy to let others shoulder the responsibility (Revelation 3:16).

1 Peter 5:8 cautions us to: "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." There is much work for the Christian to do. The devil never takes a holiday and neither should we.

But we have to be smart about it. We must first equip ourselves with the "armor of light," that is, the graces of the Spirit, in order to guard the soul from Satan's temptations and the constant assaults of our present evil world.

What better raiment for believers to wear; to protect themselves with; one that is worthy, distinctive, honorable, and secure, than Jesus Christ. Without Christ, we are completely vulnerable and exposed. Let him rule you, save you, and inspire you always.

Scripture: Colossians 3:2; Ephesians 5:11; Romans 12:2; Titus 2:12; Matthew 16:26

Prayer: O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble, amen.  - Isaiah 33:2

May God always be with you,

Muriel