“Be on guard.  Stand firm in the faith.  Be courageous.  Be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT)

           In this scripture the Apostle Paul gives four short, powerful directives.  

“Be on guard,” stay alert to spiritual danger and temptations.  Such as doubt, disobedience—which numbs the heart.  Self-absorption—is a core spiritual danger because it shifts your focus entirely inward, placing yourself where God and others belong.  Denial—not discerning right from wrong.  Constant guilt which replaces joy.  Self-destruction—drugs, alcohol, gambling, sloth, over-spending, over-eating, not taking care of yourself, sexual misconduct, anger, and self-pity to name just a few

           “Stand firm in the faith,” we are to hold tight to what we believe in and not move away from our beliefs.  Things that cause us to move away from our faith: propaganda that tells us that a sin is no longer a sin, which can occur on the TV, the internet, tiktok, social media, friends, and even family members.

           “Be courageous,” we are to show bravery when facing hard times or opposition—because we know God is with us.  It is learning to choose to face fear, danger, or adversity with confidence and resolution, rather than backing down.  The closer we get to God the more we realize God is with us and will give us the strength and courage we need to face anything that life throws our way.

           “Be strong,” we are to rely on God’s power rather than our own and our weaknesses.  We are to be strong through our inner strength which comes from God, even though life can and will become overwhelming.  As we draw closer to God, we are more able to stand firm in our faith.  We become strong.  

           As our relationship with God grows, we learn to bring these for commands together, for they form a complete shield and weapon for our daily life.  That is why prayer, daily reading of the Bible, meditating, listening to Christian music are so important.  The closer we get to God, the stronger we become. Today, spend time with God! God Bless.  Amen.

denise