Romans 13:9-14 - PPE for Dark Places

In Romans 13, Paul tells us what we need for spiritual Personal Protection Equipment.

What we are protecting is the ability to follow the Golden Rule, "love your neighbor as yourself." (v.9)
This kind of PPE is necessitated because:
"The night is almost gone, and the day is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." Romans 13:12 (New American Standard Bible 1995)

"The day is near" --meaning that Jesus might return any time. So in one way, we don't need to be worried about darkness in the world around us because "the night is almost gone." 

In the meantime, it would be easy to be overwhelmed by darkness in the world--letting it either discourage us or simply giving into the evil.

Our response should be to "lay aside deeds of darkness." Paul gives some examples:
"wild parties and drunkenness... sexual promiscuity and immoral living... quarreling and jealousy." (Romans 13:13, New Living Translation)

Instead of being overcome by darkness, we are to "put on an armor of light."
But how? What kind of Personal Protection Equipment will shield us from darkness?

Paul concludes: "Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires." (Romans 13:14, NLT).

Jesus, You are the Light of the World. So when things are dark around us, wrap us up in Your presence. "Lead us not into temptation." But we put on Your armor of light --not merely to protect ourselves-- but to fight for those who might otherwise be overcome by darkness. Amen