Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
God’s people to be prepared for witness
Romans 13:11-14Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ. vs14
As Christians, we are called to be witnesses for God from a young age. In fact, in Matthew 5:14, we are called to let our lights shine so brightly that others will see our good deeds and glorify God in heaven. In this epistle, Paul instructs us that in order to be God’s witnesses in this world, we must clothe ourselves with Christ. However, how are we to do so in the face of secularization? That is the challenge Paul prepares us for today.
Firstly, Paul calls us to read the signs of the times. He implores us to “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” In doing so, he is not asking us to willfully ignore the temptations that exist around us or the reality of the world we live in. But rather, he wants us to acknowledge its presence and brace ourselves against its potency so as to not allow it to overpower us. Building this resilient armor requires two parts: deep self-reflection and communal interdependence. In other words, we must reflect upon the world around us, understand its impact on our relationship with Christ, and use these shared experiences to fuel our communion with God and with each other. These actions will transform our passive professions of faith into active participation in God’s plan.
Secondly, Paul reminds us of God’s omniscience. He reminds us to “behave decently, as in the daytime,” emphasizing that our Christian duty is not limited to outwardly acts of service and appeasement. We must walk with God in all dimensions of life and lead moral lives, even behind closed doors. As Paul emphasizes, evading our Christian responsibilities and gratifying our fleeting worldly desires will only diminish the impact of Divine grace in our life.
And so, as the day of salvation draws nearer, let us consciously and persistently commit ourselves to God. Although the path is riddled with trials and tribulations, our faith and God’s grace will guide us through.
Firstly, Paul calls us to read the signs of the times. He implores us to “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” In doing so, he is not asking us to willfully ignore the temptations that exist around us or the reality of the world we live in. But rather, he wants us to acknowledge its presence and brace ourselves against its potency so as to not allow it to overpower us. Building this resilient armor requires two parts: deep self-reflection and communal interdependence. In other words, we must reflect upon the world around us, understand its impact on our relationship with Christ, and use these shared experiences to fuel our communion with God and with each other. These actions will transform our passive professions of faith into active participation in God’s plan.
Secondly, Paul reminds us of God’s omniscience. He reminds us to “behave decently, as in the daytime,” emphasizing that our Christian duty is not limited to outwardly acts of service and appeasement. We must walk with God in all dimensions of life and lead moral lives, even behind closed doors. As Paul emphasizes, evading our Christian responsibilities and gratifying our fleeting worldly desires will only diminish the impact of Divine grace in our life.
And so, as the day of salvation draws nearer, let us consciously and persistently commit ourselves to God. Although the path is riddled with trials and tribulations, our faith and God’s grace will guide us through.
Prayer
Dear Lord, help us to recognize your presence in our daily lives, to act in accordance with your will, and to lead lives worthy of your calling.
Thought for the day“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop”. Mother Teresa
Riya A Thomas
Carmel MTC, Boston
Carmel MTC, Boston
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church