Day 14: Romans 13
Get Out of Bed and Get Dressed
During lock down it has been very tempting for many of us to stay in bed or pyjamas all day. However, I decided that I would intentionally get dressed every day. Paul tells us in this passage that we must clothe ourselves in Christ Jesus (v 14), it’s intentional that we clothe ourselves daily, how can we do this?
Verses 1 – 6: “Be good citizens, live responsibly as citizens, pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders.” (MSG)
This can be difficult when we disagree with the politics of our government. God wants us to live in a society that is ordered, with government laws and regulations. Although God is our ultimate authority, we are told to respect earthly authority. Let us therefore be intentional by clothing ourselves as responsible citizens.
Verse 8: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another.” (NIV)
So, we must love one another – easier said than done. Some people are easier to love than others. We are commanded to ‘love one another’ (John 13, V34-35) and to ‘love our enemies’ (Matthew 5 v 44).
If we truly love one another (our neighbour) then we will not commit adultery, we will not kill, steal or be jealous of what others have (v 9). God is commanding us to love one another and to forgive even when we don’t feel like it. It is intentional, we must clothe ourselves in love for one another.
Verses 11 – 14: “Get out of bed and get dressed! Don’t loiter and linger, waiting until the very last minute. Dress yourselves in Christ and be up and about!” (MSG)
When Christ returns, he is looking for a people who are clean on both the inside and outside. So, let us be a people who ‘clothe ourselves in Jesus Christ,’ a people who are intentional, who love, show kindness, who are forgiving and responsible, owing only a debt of love to one another. Let’s get up and get dressed.
Caroline Larmour
Connect Leader