# Romans Chapter 13
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## Summarrium
Paul points out that all authorities are established by Christ to perpetuate good and therefore opposition to authority is wrong. We must be subject to the authorities that the Lord institutes over us, and give all what they are due. Indeed we are encouraged not to owe anyone anything except love for each other. Paul points out that the fulfillment of the commandments is love. That is to say love for neighbour as self does no wrong to a neighbour and is the fulfillment of what God has called each of us to. 

He reminds us that we need to recognise that salvation is close at hand and to live life free to love is available to us. Salvation from the darkness within is close at hand to we should cast off the works of darkness and walk properly. It is necessary to 'put on the Lord Jesus Christ' to make no provision for the gratification of the desires of the flesh.

## Meditatio
Interestingly today's passage resonated with me significantly. We also had a similar message shared at the church we attend. This notion of concession to the flesh is something that resonates with me. I very much enjoy good food and drink and this time of year it becomes increasingly difficult to moderate. This is problematic given weight causes a number of health issues for me personally. As such I have becoming even more conscious of my difficulties in this area.

It is far more satisfying to reach for some good food in the evening than it is to reach for the bread of life. Feeding the flesh, the old man within, only makes that part of us stronger. To starve and instead pursue that which leads to spiritual growth and formation is to feed and make stronger the part of me that pursues Christ. Don't feed the old man is a mantra we would all do well to live by. It also highlights the significance of the disciplines, or practices, for the Christian life.

It is easy to forget that salvation from darkness is so close at hand. That we do not have to be caught continually in the perpetual struggle. That we can make 'no provision' for the gratification of the flesh. What might this mean? For me it means offering no opportunity, giving no space for, not dwelling on. But it also means not giving cognitive bandwidth to. At times it is enough to just give that part of me attention to draw me into consumptive patterns of behaviour.

Don't get me wrong, we should definitely pay attention to our sin. There are times that it may reveal spiritual needs for which we should turn to Christ. For I'm aware these consumptive patterns are part of my insatiable desire to consume. It takes many forms. Food, drink, media, literature, entertainment etc. Anything in fact that will offer sufficient pleasure and enjoyment from the act of consumption.

It is liberating to know that 'no' remains a possibility. There are times my flesh aches for food, I get irritated and grumpy when we have nothing in the house, and indeed many of my interactions with others revolve around what is going into our mouth be it food and drink. There is nothing inherently harmful about enjoying the provision of God. There is something harmful about not keeping such desires in check.