Devotion #4: The Day Is at Hand

Let us take a moment to talk about living with eternity in mind. In Romans 13:12-13, Paul gives us a powerful reminder of how our awareness of eternity shapes the way we live, especially in how we treat others. He says, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy.” 

Paul starts with a wake-up call, “The night is far gone; the day is at hand.” He is reminding us that we are living in a temporary world. The “night” represents the current age of sin and brokenness, but the “day” points to Christ’s return and the eternal Kingdom to come. Time is moving forward, and with every passing moment, we are getting closer to eternity. That is not meant to scare us but to focus us. Knowing the day is near gives us a sense of urgency and purpose. 

Then Paul says, “Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” This is a call to action. “Works of darkness” are things like sin, selfishness, and anything that draws us away from God. They do not belong in the lives of people who are living for eternity. Instead, we are called to put on the “armor of light.” This is living in a way that reflects Christ to the world around us. Think of it like suiting up for battle, not against people, but against the temptations and distractions that pull us away from God’s purpose. 

Paul gets specific in verse 13, saying, “Let us walk properly as in the daytime.” That means living in a way that honors God and shows His love to others. Paul lists some examples of behavior to avoid. It is things like drunkenness, immorality, quarreling, and jealousy. These are not just personal issues; they damage our relationships with others and distract us from God’s mission. When we live with eternity in mind, we let go of those things and instead strive to love, serve, and build up those around us. 

So, how does this tie into our relationships? When we are focused on eternity, it changes how we see people. We stop viewing them through the lens of our frustrations or differences, and we start seeing them as eternal souls loved by God. That perspective motivates us to show kindness, grace, and love, even when it is hard. It is not just about how we live; it is about how we help others see the light of Christ through our actions. 

Here is the takeaway: eternity is not just a future reality; it is a lens through which we live today. Let us cast off the things that weigh us down and put on the “armor of light.” Let us walk in a way that reflects Christ, loving others with eternity in mind.