Yes, There is More to Do, Part 2
1 Corinthians 13:14-24
Memory Verse: On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come.
1 Corinthians 16:2
In my attempts to write and to speak publicly, I have found beginnings and endings to be the most difficult sections to complete effectively. Do you sometimes find the proper words for departure to be the most difficult? What do you say to someone when you are leaving and may not see them again? As we come to the end of Chapter 16, Paul is closing his letter to this beloved church.
Verse 13 of today’s reading contains ample food for meditation throughout this day. Paul gives them five concluding commands. First he tells them to “be on the alert.” This admonition immediately reminds me of Peter’s commendation to look out for the devil who is like a roaring lion seeking to devour. Remember, we have an active enemy. Second, he tells them to stand firm in the faith. You may have an active, devouring enemy, but you have all you need to stand strong against him in Christ Jesus. Third, act like men. Surely his instruction is not just for the men but also the ladies. Are they to act like men? I don’t think so. I believe the admonition is to stand strong as adults. Men act like men not
boys. Ladies, act like ladies not girls. Stand with the faith of a child in the maturity of adulthood. Fourth, he commands them to be strong. The command reminds us we have a mental choice in the matter of mind strength and spiritual strength. And finally, the command is to do all things in love. Love is to be the primary motivator of our lives. All this can serve as adequate material for meditation for several days. Perhaps you should pick out just one of the four to supply your meditations for today. Beware of the enemy. Rejoice in the victory we have in Christ. Act like an adult. Decide to be strong. Do all things in love.
These are powerful and encouraging words used to bring this letter of reproof and correction to a conclusion. I praise the Lord today and thank him for the divine revelation He has given in His Word.
Reflection
What did God say to me from this Scripture reading, devotional, and or prayer time?
What did I say to God?
