The lateness of the hour.

“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.  The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So, remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armour of right living.”

Romans 13: 11-12 NLT

Paul said this over nineteen hundred years ago, and honestly, it feels even more urgent today, given the times we’re living in. Here’s how I’d put it in my own words: Look, you already know what time it is—now’s the moment to wake up from your sleep. Our salvation is closer now than it was when we first believed. The night is almost over, the day is nearly here. So, let’s take off the things that belong to the darkness, and let’s put on the armour of light.

As I write this, I’m reminded of a dream I had last year. In the dream, I walked into a church—but instead of chairs, there were beds everywhere, and people were just lying around, slouched in them. I spent time praying, meditating, and reflecting on it, and I believe the Holy Spirit was showing me something important: the church is spiritually asleep. There’s a kind of apathy that’s settled in when it comes to the things of God. It’s like some churches has become more of a social club—a place where we catch up with friends, stay in our little groups, and listen to messages that make us feel good and tell us what we want to hear.

So, we keep going to church every Sunday, mostly out of habit—because, well, that’s what Christians are supposed to do, right? But here’s the thing: Jesus sees past all of that. He’s not fooled by our outward appearances.

Years ago, before I truly surrendered my life to God, I was one of those Christians who looked like they had it all together on the outside—but my heart, the part that matters most to God, was a different story. He saw it all—the hidden corners and quiet crevices of my life. He knew exactly what was going on inside me. He knew I was spending more time glued to my TV screen, binge-watching box sets, than I was in His Word. And honestly, the things I chose to watch said a lot about where my heart really was. They revealed the idols I had unknowingly allowed to settle in.

And I know I’m not alone in that. There are so many Christians out there just like I was—caught up in the busyness of life, completely immersed in today’s culture, and spiritually asleep without even realising it.

That’s why Romans 13:11-12 feels like Paul is sending us a loud, urgent alarm clock. It’s a wake-up call to all believers who have dozed off spiritually, drifting into the rhythms of the world and forgetting why it’s so important to give every part of ourselves to God. My dear friend now is not the time for God’s children to chase after the things of this world. Honestly, I think a lot of Christians are going to feel a deep sense of embarrassment when the Lord returns—I know I did when I finally saw how I had been living. So, let me ask you—how full will your heart be when Jesus comes back?

Let me ask you something else—are you using your time and everything you have for God? Romans 12:1 (AMP) puts it so powerfully: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.” This isn’t just a nice suggestion—it’s what we’re supposed to be doing, my dear brother and sister. Offering every part of ourselves to God and living in a way that reflects who He is.

If we’re truly looking forward to Christ’s return, then we’ll be serious about purifying our lives. “And all who focus their hope on Him will always be purifying themselves just as Jesus is pure” (1 John 3:3).  Living a life of constant purity and righteousness isn’t something we can fake—it takes real belief in the Lord Jesus. Yet, some Christians say they’re waiting for the Lord, waiting for the rapture… but they’re living just like the world. There’s no difference. They carry the label of “Christian,” but that’s all it is—a label. Their lifestyle blends right in with everyone else’s. And the Apostle John doesn’t hold back—he says that kind of person is a liar. So, let’s wake up, my friend. This isn’t the time for lukewarm faith. This is the hour to truly live for God—with everything we’ve got.

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, in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or quarrelling and jealousy. Romans 13:13

We hear a lot these days about nightlife —but as believers, we’re called to something completely different: daylife. We’re meant to walk as people who belong to the day. Right now, the world feels like a long night of sin—and honestly, that night is nearly over. For those who believe, the day of eternal glory is just about to dawn. That’s why it’s time to take off the filthy garments of worldliness—anything tied to unrighteousness and sin —and instead put on the armour of light. That armour is the protective covering of a holy life, a life that reflects God’s goodness and truth.

The age of grace we’re living in is ending. And because of how late the hour is, we can’t afford to stay spiritually asleep or inactive. Our salvation is closer than it’s ever been. The Saviour is coming soon to take us to the Father’s house. So now is not the time to chase after the things of this world. It’s time to live fully for God.

As I wrap up, Romans 13:11-12 is a powerful reminder—a clear and loving call for us to wake up, rise up, and step fully into the life God has for us. It’s a call to clothe ourselves in the full armour of God, just like we read in Ephesians 6:11-18, and to walk in the light, protected by a life of holiness and surrender. The truth is, we can’t face the battles of life—whether spiritual or everyday struggles—on our own. We were never meant to. That’s why God has given us His armour, to equip and cover us, so we can stand strong in a world that often tries to pull us away from Him.

“Be strengthened in the Lord”—because that’s where true power, peace, and purpose are found. That strength is what builds real, lasting Christian character.

You’re not alone in this journey. Keep pressing in, stay encouraged, and above all, stay close to Him.

Stay blessed and deeply loved every one! 💛