DEVOTION ~ PUT ON CHRIST

Theme: Put on Christ

Text: Romans 13:11-14

11 And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

The Christian world is a big family and just like any family, children could resemble or pick up some behaviors of their parents. It's so lovely to see a child that takes after his/her parent smiles, looks, walking style or even a posture of standing. Spiritually, it's more fulfilling to see Christians look just like Christ in conduct. You can only be Christlike if you put on Christ.

Dear beloved in the Lord, with all the chaos in the world, and the endless destructions of lives and nature, it's very clear, we are not far from home. If you're in the Lord, but spiritually asleep, then you need to wake up. The days of orgies are over, you need to be ever ready for the Father's call.

The works of darkness can't usher you into God's magnificent Kingdom. It won't even take you to the gates, so repent before it's too late. The works of darkness shrinks the love of the Father in you and feeds you with selfishness. The seed of selfishness makes you indulge in:

i. Revelry; At the party you're just drinking and hoarding some because you feel it's free. You are not thinking of others. You get drunk and mess people's life and properties because you can't control yourself.

ii. Lewdness; You engage in all forms of emotional dramas with people just because you want to have sexual relationships with them and once you're satisfied, you move on to your next victim. That's an act of wickedness.

iii. Strife; There's virtually no one around you that you've not engaged in a fight with. You're always right, never ready to apologize. You hardly forgive and can hold on to issues for God knows how long. 

 iv. Envy;  You are so worried about others possessions. You wish every good thing locates you and sometimes wish those who have it should loose it so they become like you. You're not just being selfish but also on the path of witchcraft.

Flee from carnal desires (fleshy passions) so as not to fulfil its lusts. 

You could be call home soon, but can you present yourself to the Father with all these works of darkness? The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.  The armor of Light is love. The whole composition of Jesus is love and in this, your victory is assured. The power of love helps to identify you as a child of God, keep the commandments, feed the lambs, and tend the sheep (John 13:34-35; 14:15; 21:15-17). You can't put on Christ and not have love. If His love isn't evident in your life, then you've not really put on Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Abba Father, I've lied to myself that am Yours, for I am disguised in the clothe of darkness. This day, I come before You to help me take off this evil garment and put on Christ as my everlasting garment. Let the Holy Spirit have His own way in me in Jesus' name have I prayed. AMEN!