The Night is Over

And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
-Romans 13:11-12

These verses go on to say "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."

There is good reason for this warning. Light brings joy, peace, and comfort into your life. Darkness only leads to sadness and longing. Though you may decide to give up temporary pleasure, the lasting happiness that the Lord brings us is something precious that nobody can take away.

Yesterday, I was sickened and sad to watch the Notre Dam Cathedral burning in France. I watched the television closely as it burned from one end to the other, taking down the center spire and come crashing through the roof. So many years of history gone in an hour. At the time, they had yet to know the cause of it, but I couldn't help to think of the centuries it took to build. All the workers who dedicated their time and efforts to building something that would serve God's people for over 800 years. Then I realized, no structure or building, no matter how ornate or beautiful, can even begin to measure up to God's glory. We can be ultimately thankful that God's promises cannot be taken away from us, even though our buildings may burn. Our inheritance is within us and the Church cannot be held in any structure. The Kingdom of God will continue to grow and thrive as long as we are willing to put away temporary pleasures and exchange them for the lasting joy of our Lord.