Joel M Bradshaw

13Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14Let all that you do be done in love.–1 Corinthians 16

We get closer to the end by the day. Here is how Paul ended his first letter to the church at Corinth. It wasn’t written to us, but here it is for us. Five things we should also focus on as we march ever closer to the end.

1. BEING WATCHFUL. This is the same word used in Matthew’s gospel for what Jesus said in the Garden before He was arrested. He told Peter, James, and John to do this. Some might say watch for the Lord’s return. I think the better option is keeping watch and alert in prayer so as to not growing complacent.
2. STANDING FIRM. Roman soldiers rarely lost when they stood firm together in their formations. Paul was writing this to a church in a world that persecuted Christians. The object of our faith is Christ. He unites a once divided people. He is who we have in common and that is more important than what we don’t. Our world divides. We unite in Christ.
3. BEING MATURE. There’s a big difference between acting like a boy and acting like a man. Your faith better be maturing, otherwise what are you focusing on in life? You may need to grow up, my friend.
4. BEING STRONG. True strength comes from trusting God to lead you during difficult times. Endurance without compromise is strength. Admitting you have a problem and getting the help and accountability you need is also strength. Our world needs more of that kind of person. So do your marriage and friendships.
5. MOTIVATED BY LOVE. Is the focus of your life you? Does selfishness motivate all you do? It will show in your marriage and parenting. Remember, love is a verb. Love means selflessness, sacrifice, and service.–JMB