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I Corinthians 16:13-14, Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love.

This is the final chapter of Paul's first letter to the church at Corinth.  For the most part, he gives practical advice and wisdom.  He speaks of taking up a collection for the greater church and of welcoming Christian workers who will be coming to their area soon.  It's right after this call to welcome and respect the new leaders that Paul makes this statement, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.  Do everything in love."

I think we would do well to also heed this advice.  This idea of being on guard or being alert seems to suggest that we are in a battle not just with earthly powers but also against the power of evil.  There are forces in this world that work against Jesus Christ and as his followers, the Corinthians (and us for that matter) should be aware, alert, and on guard.  Stand firm in the faith is also pertinent.  How easy it was for the Corinthians to drift and get distracted.  Umm...sound familiar?  Remember whose and who you are might be another way to say it; stay focused on the things of God! 

Then, there is a call to be courageous and strong.  We know from the previous chapters that the Corinthians were arrogant and a bit complacent.  Paul is asking them to have courage and do what God has called them to do.  Again, I'm thinking Paul could just as easily be talking to the modern church.  We have tradition, we have beautiful worship, we have access to all kinds of knowledge, but we don't have courage.  This is starting to get personal.  Might I add that this kind of strength has nothing to do with physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy weights.  This is an internal strength that comes only from God. 

Finally, Paul says to do everything in love.  Yes, being on guard, standing firm, and having courage and strength are critical but they are all pointless if not done with love.  Paul is not calling the Corinthians to use aggression or self-assertion (remember, this is how the Corinthian church viewed Christian leadership).  Rather, Paul is saying to exhibit all these qualities while demonstrating the love and grace of Jesus.  That means, no bullying people to Jesus, no shaming people to Jesus, no manipulating people to Jesus, but only loving people to Jesus.

Let's pray...God, Help us stand firm and be vigilant but also loving.  Oh God, how we need to be more loving.  On our own, we mess this up.  We need you, Jesus.  More of you, less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.