The apostle Paul’s words in Romans 13:11 call us to a heightened awareness of the times we are living in. He exhorts believers to "wake up from your slumber" because "our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." This powerful admonition emphasises the urgency of living out our faith with vigilance and purpose.

 

Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome during a period of significant challenge and anticipation. The early church faced persecution and was eagerly awaiting Christ’s return. Paul’s message was clear: the time for complacency is over. Believers are called to live in the light of the imminent return of Christ, fully awake and engaged in their faith.

 

In today’s world, it is easy to become spiritually complacent, distracted by the demands and pleasures of daily life. Yet, Paul's message remains profoundly relevant. The return of Christ is closer now than it was yesterday, and we must live with a sense of urgency and purpose, fully aware of the spiritual reality and the eternal implications of our actions.

 

Reflect this morning and consider areas of your spiritual life where you may have become complacent or lethargic. Ask God to awaken your heart and renew your passion for him. Make a conscious effort to prioritise your relationship with God. Set aside regular time for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

 

Let us live with an eternal perspective, reminding ourselves daily that our time on earth is temporary and that our actions have eternal consequences. Let this perspective shape our decisions, priorities, and interactions with others.

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the reminder of the urgency of our faith. Help us to wake up from any spiritual slumber and to live with a sense of purpose and urgency, knowing that your return is nearer now than ever before. Give us the strength and wisdom to prioritise our relationship with you, to live with an eternal perspective, and to share the hope of the gospel with those around us. Keep us vigilant and steadfast in our faith, ready for the day of your coming. In Jesus' name, Amen.