Keep alert, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
I find that most people, including myself, are just plain tired. It can be seen in the dark circles under the eyes, the slumped shoulders, and the blase’ attitudes. Many wake up in the morning with low energy and dread the effort it takes to approach the day ahead of them. Some days we find ourselves running in circles but accomplishing very little. It can be frustrating, and it wears on one’s energy reserves.
I think we would all agree that we would rather be in an airplane where the pilot is fully awake. We too as Christians need to wake up if we want to safely pilot through life. In 1 Corinthians 16:13, Paul tells us that we need to be alert, courageous, strong, and stand, not sleep, in our faith.
Having physical energy requires several things: good sleep, health, exercise, hydration, nutrition, and stress relief. Staying alert as a Christian also requires several things: good food from the word, health in prayer, exercise of good works, rest in meditation, and hydration of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us.
If we become groggy Christians, just plodding along, barely making it day to day, we are more apt to be susceptible to Satan’s snare. Just like walking down the street with our eyes half closed, we might step into a pothole. We need to be rejuvenated and aware at all times. We need to stand in our faith, alert and strong.
Paul concludes by saying that all things should be done in love. Hebrews 6:10-12 says, God isn’t unjust so that He forgets your efforts and the love you have shown for his name’s sake when you served and continue to serve God’s holy people. But we desperately want each of you to show the same effort to make your hope sure until the end. This is so you won’t be lazy but follow the example of the ones who inherit the promises through faith and patience. Let God’s love be the motivator to help you tap into His strength to keep you from being a lazy or groggy Christian. Wake up, pay attention, and be His love.
Dear Lord, Help me to never grow weary of serving you. In the name of Jesus, Amen
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