Romans 13:14–But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 

I remember as a non-Christian throughout my teens and early twenties watching television, and whenever I would come across a religious channel I would change it immediately!  Not wanting to be reminded in anyway, of what I wanted to make provisions for…

But even now as a Christian, with a new heart to want to please God, there still needs to be an active pursuit of God or “putting on the Lord Jesus Christ”.  Which is why being practical about praying and reading the Word, are things that are necessary to remind us of our identity, and what to actively pursue…

When we fail to “stir up” our desire for Christ, we are still left with passions and desires that we inevitably make provisions for.  For example when we have anger resting in our hearts, the provision we make is for revenge, or ill will towards a person.  Which makes us want to avoid anything godly, because we have made provisions for our anger!

Though becoming a Christian rest on the work of Christ alone, walking with Jesus is much like any relationship, it takes effort.  That we cannot be “passive” when it comes to walking in what is pleasing to God.  To “put on Christ” is an action of our will, that we now have the power and desire to do from His grace.  As difficult as it can be, the fight to put on Christ is worth it, compared to the consequences of fulfilling our own desires…

In His Love, Ld