And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11
Ever hit the snooze button? Like on mornings when it’s rainy. And the covers are just right. And you finally got the pillow the way you want it. And the temperature is perfect. And you were just getting to the “good” sleep after a fitful night … Maybe it’s just me.
Hitting the snooze button is choosing comfort over responsibility and diligence. I know I have things to do. I know I could get more done if I get up when the alarm goes off the first time. But wow, I can go through a whole list of justifications and rationalizations in those two seconds it takes to reach over for that button.
As Romans closes, Paul warns us about hitting a spiritual snooze button. “Owe no one anything except to love one another,” he says in verse 8. We can’t pay lip service to that mandate. He urges us to get busy with it. It is high time. The day of our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. In other words, the day when we see the end result of our salvation, when we see Christ Himself, is getting closer with each passing moment. We can’t choose our own comfort over responsibility and diligence.
In recent weeks, I’ve gotten news of several untimely deaths. Some came as a result of illness, others under more tragic and unexpected circumstances. We are to love people. Jesus told us in unequivocal terms. He modeled it in extravagant ways. Paul reiterated that call. So did John. And Peter. And Luke and the other New Testament writers and leaders.
In our day, in our culture, that charge is no less urgent. People need to know they are loved, and of course, the greatest expression of love for another is to introduce them to Christ.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Romans 13:12
Get up. Get dressed. Get busy. Whatever you do, don’t hit the snooze button.
