Today’s
Scripture: Romans 13
“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and
drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the
Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.” (13-14)
Words
of Devotion
St. Augustine became one of the most important leaders
in early Christian history, writing two of our most important books,
Confessions and The City of God. Ultimately, it was this passage from Romans 13
that revolutionized his life.
Born in 354 AD in northern Africa, Augustine learned about Christianity from
his mother. However, in his youth, he decided to pursue philosophy and other
religions. Eventually, he returned to Christianity, though he continued to
accept the world’s standards, even living with a common-law wife for many
years.
Yet Augustine increasingly became concerned about sin. He was lead to Romans 13
and later confessed that through these verses, “I probed the hidden depths of
my soul.” He realized that he was “still enslaved by my sins.” Convicted, he
asked God to change his life, and “a great storm broke within me, bringing with
it a great deluge of tears.”
God answered his prayers: “In an instant, it was as though the light of faith
flooded into my heart and all the darkness of doubt was dispelled.” He found
forgiveness, freedom, and cleansing, and devoted the rest of his life to
serving God.
Augustine learned that sin can grip our lives, even if we are Christians. The
pleasures and attractions of sin can seem overwhelming, but they have a price.
We cannot know the freedom of Christ while we are ruled by sin.
Today,
realize that sin in any form will enslave you. Ask God to reveal sin in your
life, whether it’s obvious or subtle, open or hidden. Ask Him to help you “put
on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh.”
Today's
Prayer: Father, show me any sin that has gripped
my life. Please forgive these sins: __________. Help me to be pleasing in Your
sight and a strong witness for the Gospel. In Jesus’ name Amen
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