Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

Romans 13:`13-14

We do not know what tomorrow will bring. This week I learned of a friend who is now facing significant health challenges, to say the least.

When I read the post my friend published on social media, I took note that the physical challenges also created a sharpened spiritual focus on what is really important in all of our lives.

Yes, Paul says, in the verses above, our first priority should be to walk properly as in the daytime. I think we all know what that looks like, but Paul goes on to describe instances of sexual sin and sensuality, and then a couple of things that we might not think of immediately when describing darkness in our lives. However, the idea of jealousy and quarreling are often at the heart of some of the complaints we hear from people outside the faith. Do you agree?

All these things take away from the life we are called to live, no matter our circumstances, and how we live reinforces or breaks down the words we may proclaim. “Let us walk properly.”