The early morning hours before the dawn are usually the darkest and coldest. It seems like the new day is never going to arrive. It is at that moment that the first light appears. That is eerily similar to what happens in a person’s life before Jesus shines into it. Many people are in that dark place feeling distant from God wondering if there is any hope. Hold on, the dawn is near.
Rom 13:11-13
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. 12 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. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Remove the Hindrances
In any discussion of a fresh start, there needs to be a discussion about removing those habits that hinder us from following Jesus. We can’t sleep-walk through life anymore. The time of Christ coming back is almost here. We need to put aside the deeds of darkness and behave in a manner that glorifies Christ. Carousing, which means to act in such a way as to cause a riot at a banquet, needs to be put away. The Romans loved their feasts, and all kinds of lewd acts would happen during them.
Eyes Are Watching
Our public behavior is essential as Christians. We need to act in such as way that we don’t embarrass ourselves or diminish our witness. Public drunkenness and sexual excessiveness are to be put behind us. At the same time, those secret sins like dissension and jealousy need to stop as well. Sometimes these sins, done in secret, can do more damage than the public ones. Either way, they are both unfitting for someone who calls themselves a disciple of Christ.
Properly Clothed
We need to clothe ourselves with Jesus. That means our lives need to be marked by the fruit of the Spirit. Love, peace, and joy should be evident for everyone to see. These are also signs of a life surrendered to Him and led by the Holy Spirit. Put on the armor of light. Let your salvation, faith, righteousness, and peace be so evident that when you take up the sword of the Spirit, it will be powerful and effective. Hold on, the Dawn is near.