SCRIPTURE
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no plans to satisfy the fleshly desires (Romans 13:14). [See additional context: Romans 13:11-14]
OBSERVATION
Paul had just reminded the Romans to wake up from their spiritual sleep. Jesus' return is closer today than the day they first believed so they should be ready by living in the light and not in the darkness. We are to be living holy and God fearing lives. We are faced with a decision: to put on Jesus, live and walk like him, or live and walk in the flesh, our natural selves that do what is contrary to God's holiness. Paul lists a few in verse 13, carousing, drunkenness, sexual impurity, promiscuity, quarreling and jealousy.
Consider it this way:
Plan A: Clothed with Decency or Plan C: Clothed with Deeds of Darkness.
However, in between is Plan B: the plans to satisfy the fleshly desires. We often don't throw off Christ and give into the flesh on the spur of the moment. It is more often than not a premeditated action. Plan B is where we start to scheme and calculate the best ways, times, and places to satisfy the flesh. Without a Plan B it is much hard to go to Plan C.
APPLICATION
I've got to stick with Plan A, remaining clothed with Christ. Pan B is where I start to debate and decide what to wear, decency or darkness? Paul reminded me to make no plans. For most things in life it is good to have a plan. Directions are a good idea when traveling. A recipe is good for baking. Assembly instructions are good for the bazillion pieces in the box. However, when it comes to walking in the light, plans for the flesh are no good. If I don't think about where I could go, I probably will not end up there. It requires me to be active, remaining awake, alert,and conscious about where I am. Ironically, passivity, or spiritual sleepiness, is a sure way to start making plans. In doing nothing I can end up doing the wrong thing.
PRAYER
Lord, I want to live with the clothing of Christ. To walk in the daylight with him as my armor against the deeds of the dark.
