Waking Up to Purpose

Reflection

There is something about the colder weather that makes sleep extra cozy and comfortable. With the shortening of the days, it gives us an opportunity for more sleep. It is usually during these times that I just don't want to leave the comfort of the warm blanket. But on the other side is the reality, that if I stay under this comforter, I will not be prepared for the day. Nothing will get done. Time will continue on, but none of my tasks will be accomplished.

I think this is a perfect picture of what happens when we get spiritually comfortable. It is easy to let life pass us by, to stay in a place of comfort, thinking that everything will be fine. But just like the day won’t wait for me to get out of bed, time will not stop for us to become spiritually alert. Romans 13:11 speaks to this urgency. The apostle Paul is reminding us that our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The time is running out, and we must wake up and take action in our faith.

When we stay spiritually asleep, we miss the opportunities God has laid before us. Jesus warned of this in His parables. He told the story of servants waiting for their master’s return, thinking they could put off the work until later (see Matthew 24:48-51). But when the master returns unexpectedly, they are caught unprepared. We are called to live as children of light, putting off the deeds of darkness and walking in the newness of life (Ephesians 5:8).

We cannot afford to be caught sleeping or complacent in our faith. The time to live fully for God is now. Just like we need to be awake and ready to face the day, we need to be alert and engaged in God’s kingdom work. There is no time to waste. We are called to be proactive in our faith, to put off the old ways and live in the light of God’s truth. The call to wake up is not just about being aware; it’s about actively living out the purpose He has given us.