What It Really Means to Be Ready
“ And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Romans 13:11-14 NIV),
Romans 13:11-14 is a powerful reminder for anyone who wants to take their faith seriously. It is for those who aren’t sure where to start or need a push to get moving again. These verses urge believers to recognize that the time to act is now. It’s time to stop sleepwalking through life. Don’t put off the things that matter most.
Understanding the Times: Why Now Is So Important
Have you ever lost track of time and realized you were running late? That’s kind of what Paul is talking about here. “Knowing the time” means being aware that things are changing and that God’s plan is moving forward. Time is precious. Paul wants us to understand that salvation—the fullness of God’s good plan for us—is closer now. It is nearer than when we first decided to follow Jesus. In other words, we’re closer to the finish line than we think, and we shouldn’t waste a minute.
Waking Up from Spiritual Sleep
Paul says, “Awake out of sleep.” He’s not talking about hitting snooze on your alarm clock, but about waking up spiritually. Spiritual sleep is what happens when we get too comfortable, lazy, or distracted. Maybe life is busy. We just get stuck in a rut. Either way, the result is the same: we stop paying attention to what matters most. Paul’s advice is simple—wake up! Be alert, be active, and don’t let your faith fade into the background.
Getting Ready: Putting Off Darkness, Putting On Light
Romans 13:12 continues with a call to action. Think about getting out of bed in the morning: you don’t go outside in your pajamas. You put off your night clothes and get dressed for the day. In the same way, Paul says to “cast off the works of darkness.” This means letting go of old habits. It involves discarding unhealthy behaviors and anything that keeps you separated from God. Instead, we’re to “put on the armor of light.” We should live in a way that’s honest and kind. Our lives should be full of the hope and strength that comes from knowing Jesus.
Getting Dressed for the Day: What to Put On
Paul uses the image of getting dressed to help us see what living for God looks like. Don’t just leave behind bad habits; actively choose what’s good. The “armor of light” means adopting the attitudes and actions that reflect God’s love—like patience, honesty, generosity, and self-control. Paul even says to “put on Christ.” This means we let Jesus lead our lives. He shows us how to live, love, and grow.
How to Walk: Living Out Your Faith Every Day
Once we’re awake and dressed, it’s time to get moving. Christianity isn’t about staying still or keeping your faith private—it’s about walking out your beliefs in the real world. Paul says to “walk honestly as in the day.” This means we should live with integrity. We should not hide anything or do things we’d be ashamed of. We avoid behaviors that drag us down. Fighting, jealousy, and partying for the wrong reasons are included. We also avoid chasing things that only make us feel empty.
Balancing Needs: Caring for Your Soul and Body
Paul reminds us that it’s normal to care for our basic needs—like food and shelter. Still, we shouldn’t be obsessed with satisfying every desire. We shouldn’t worry so much that we miss the bigger picture. It’s okay to pray for what you need, but don’t let cravings or anxiety run your life. Focus on what really matters: a healthy soul, a loving heart, and making choices that bring you closer to God.
In a Nutshell
Romans 13:11-14 is a wake-up call. Life is short. Salvation is nearer than ever. Don’t waste time on things that don’t matter or let yourself drift off spiritually. Instead, wake up and get ready. Live with a sense of urgency and purpose. Let Christ lead you. Dress yourself in goodness. Walk out your faith every single day.
· Recognize the times: Life is moving fast—don’t miss what God is doing.
· Wake up spiritually: Shake off complacency and get active in your faith.
· Leave behind what holds you back: Cast off bad habits and anything that keeps you from God.
· Put on goodness: Let your life reflect kindness, honesty, and strength.
· Walk it out: Live every day with purpose, ready for Christ’s return.
No matter where you are, it’s never too late to wake up, get up, and live in the light.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 