PUTTING ON CHRIST

A friend shared his experience of being accepted into military school. On the first day, he felt uncomfortable wearing his uniform. His shoes hurt his toes. Not to mention the strict rules he had to follow every day. As time went by, he started to get used to it. In fact, he began to feel proud wearing the uniform because it reminded him of his new identity and great responsibilities.

Paul found the church in Rome in a spiritually slumber state. A condition where they were still comfortable with a sinful life. That's why he reminded them to wake up from their slumber with an awareness of the nearness of the coming of the Lord. The church was also reminded of their identity as believers who should leave the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. With a new identity as believers, they should put on Christ as the armor of light, which means leaving behind sinful deeds and living according to the values taught by Christ.

We realize that leaving the old life and living a new life in Christ is not easy. There are habits to be changed, attitudes to be renewed, and ways of thinking to be aligned with the word of God. A transformation that continues to progress every day until finally the life of every believer becomes like Christ. In the process, putting on Christ is no longer a burden, instead a great pride because of bearing the identity as children of light. --SYS/www.renunganharian.net