In Those Hidden Moments
Romans 13:13-14 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in immorality and sensuality, not in quarrelling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
We all face temptations in life. Sure, people draw the line between right and wrong differently these days, but at the end of the day right is still right and wrong is still wrong. So how do you respond to temptation?
Augustine of Hippo, who lived during the 4th and 5th centuries AD, became one of the most influential Christian theologians in history. But before his conversion, he led a life marked by indulgence in worldly pleasures. For years he struggled deeply with immorality and the so-called desires of the flesh, finding it difficult to let go of his old ways.
The turning point came in a garden in Milan where Augustine heard a child’s voice chanting, “Take up and read.” Interpreting this as a divine command, he opened the Bible to this passage:
Romans 13:13-14 Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in immorality and sensuality, not in quarrelling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (ESV)
Those verses struck Augustine deeply, leading him to reject his previous lifestyle, to be baptised, and to follow Jesus with all of his heart. And ever since his writings have helped shape Christians down to this day.
How we respond to temptation in those hidden moments, in the end, is what will shape the rest of our lives. And it turns out that there is such incredible power in God’s Word. Power to change.
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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