Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 The Apostle Paul used this verse to exhort the Corinthian church, giving them an amazing recipe for strength, direction, and perseverance.

Be on the alert. We are to live ready. "Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:42). This doesn't mean we are to worry; it means we are not complacent or distracted. We are to be ready to respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings.

Stand firm in the faith. Having done everything to stand, we stand firm (Ephesians 6:13-14). Our footing is important. Part of our stand is to develop an atmosphere of unity. We cannot yield to strife: "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27).

Act like men. This verse is addressing both men and women. Be courageous, have backbone—just like King David told Solomon concerning his life's work: "Be courageous and act" (1 Chronicles 28:10b). In your actions avoid lukewarm tendencies and be determined to fulfill God's radical call on your life.

Be strong. Not in your own strength but "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1). He is our help and our strength. You may have been weakened by the circumstances of life, but let the weak say, "I am strong," because God is your strength in time of trouble (2 Corinthians 12:10; Psalm 37:39).

Let all that you do be done in love. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). Don't underestimate the love walk. The devil tries everything he can to take you out through bitterness, so be alert as he tries to destroy your unity. Don't let him!

Press On!
Pastor Jeff Perry

Let these five actions sink into your spirit and strengthen you as you fulfill God's call!


© 2008 St. Louis Family Church. All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reprinted or distributed in any form without prior written permission of St. Louis Family Church. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.