“Watch, stand
fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with
love.” (1Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJ)
fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with
love.” (1Corinthians 16:13-14 NKJ)
How amazing is this
element of perception we possess! Although there are several thousand
automobiles on our streets, of specific models and colors and so forth, we
never notice them until we acquire our own, then the replicas of our make,
model and color are everywhere.
element of perception we possess! Although there are several thousand
automobiles on our streets, of specific models and colors and so forth, we
never notice them until we acquire our own, then the replicas of our make,
model and color are everywhere.
It is because our
focus has acutely changed. Suddenly we notice what has been right in front of
us all along. Almost unintentionally, other autos like ours catch our eyes. It
is as if we are watching for them, which we are but can’t completely understand
how or why we do.
focus has acutely changed. Suddenly we notice what has been right in front of
us all along. Almost unintentionally, other autos like ours catch our eyes. It
is as if we are watching for them, which we are but can’t completely understand
how or why we do.
Watch! It is an
element of our lives that can be taught and learned. It can be intuitive as
well, meaning that one’s focus is so in sync with something that the brain,
without conscience awareness, registers a minute semblance of that something
anywhere and everywhere it is encountered.
element of our lives that can be taught and learned. It can be intuitive as
well, meaning that one’s focus is so in sync with something that the brain,
without conscience awareness, registers a minute semblance of that something
anywhere and everywhere it is encountered.
Psychologists and
self-help gurus claim we can train ourselves to achieve this watchfulness in
any area of our lives that we want to change or improve. It seems that Paul’s
words in today’s passage verify this principle. In order to stand fast in our
faith and be brave and strong Christians, we must be aware of and guard against the sorts of
trials, difficulties, and temptations that would obstruct us in our walk of
faith. We must watch for them. Our watching is for the purpose of protecting
our faith against such elements as would engender doubt and fear.
self-help gurus claim we can train ourselves to achieve this watchfulness in
any area of our lives that we want to change or improve. It seems that Paul’s
words in today’s passage verify this principle. In order to stand fast in our
faith and be brave and strong Christians, we must be aware of and guard against the sorts of
trials, difficulties, and temptations that would obstruct us in our walk of
faith. We must watch for them. Our watching is for the purpose of protecting
our faith against such elements as would engender doubt and fear.
But of course,
Paul’s words are not of the “holier-than-thou” sort, which breeds a
fear of failure at every step. Instead, he gives us a warning much like mother
gives before we go out the door with friends or on a date. Be careful! Stay out
of trouble! Remember who you are!
Paul’s words are not of the “holier-than-thou” sort, which breeds a
fear of failure at every step. Instead, he gives us a warning much like mother
gives before we go out the door with friends or on a date. Be careful! Stay out
of trouble! Remember who you are!
Like getting that
new car, I want to attune my life to Christ and the word of God so that my
spirit will automatically register spiritual dangers and I can escape their
traps. A side benefit of such an attuned focus is this: every action will be
done with love.
new car, I want to attune my life to Christ and the word of God so that my
spirit will automatically register spiritual dangers and I can escape their
traps. A side benefit of such an attuned focus is this: every action will be
done with love.
Dear Father, thank
you for your love and the faith you implant in us. Enable me to be strong and
brave and steadfast with a watchful focus in my life. I pray this in the name
of Jesus. AMEN
you for your love and the faith you implant in us. Enable me to be strong and
brave and steadfast with a watchful focus in my life. I pray this in the name
of Jesus. AMEN
Guard your faith
today,
today,