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Romans 13

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Romans 13:13-14, 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.

 

When we say yes to Jesus, the Holy Spirit comes and makes a home within us, changing us from the inside out.  We become new people and that change should be obvious in how we treat people, the words we speak, and how we behave. 

 

Paul is getting at this truth.  He makes the point that because the day of salvation has come, we should behave accordingly.  We should experience salvation to its fullest now as we will experience salvation in its fullness in the future when Jesus returns.  There is an urgency to this.  We aren't supposed to sit around, eat bonbons, and think, "One day I'll get my act together."  Rather, the time is now.  Not only do we never know what the future holds, but we also know to whom we belong and who we represent.  Of course, we will mess up here and there, but overall, our speech and actions should reflect mature Christ-followers, people who are striving for a life characterized by holiness.  This isn't legalistic but comes from a true desire to look more like Jesus.

 

Let's pray...Lord, I want to live out this amazing gift of salvation to the fullest.  Help me remember who and whose I am.  Help my thoughts, words, and actions reflect you rather than the world.  This is hard, Lord, and I am weak.  More of you and less of me.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.