DEVOTION – DAY 526

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Stand Firm”

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”

The apostle Paul wrote his letter to the church in Corinth whilst he was in Ephesus. As he ended his letter, the above verse was one of his final instructions for the Corinthian Christians. The verse was wise advice and is applicable for every generation of Christians not only in Corinth, but everywhere. Since Corinth was a very worldly city with many temptations, Paul advised them to be on their guard against falling for these temptations. That meant that the Corinthians were to remain faithful to God and His Word. This would enable them to stay away from sinful temptations. Since Corinth was also a pagan city and the Christians there were a minority, they were to be courageous to remain firm in their faith even if it meant that their pagan friends and neighbors made fun of them, or even persecute them for their beliefs and practices. Paul told them to be courageous and strong. Finally, Paul told them to do everything in love – whether it is helping each other, looking after each other, caring for each other – love for their fellow Corinthians was to be their motivation.

Today, right here in our own city, we face an environment that is similar to Corinth in the 1st century AD. Our city is also filled with many worldly temptations, distractions and sinful pursuits. Prostitution, pornography, casual sex, drunkenness, sale of recreational drugs and so on are available, just like in any other city in the world. Christians are a minority and in a multi-cultural city like Kuala Lumpur, there are many other opposing religions and faiths that compete for the people’s attention. Thus, the above verse is applicable to all Christians living in our city.

We know a young man who moved to Kuala Lumpur from a small town because the city held more career prospects for him. He chose to be in the financial services industry and he sometimes needed to entertain clients. He realized quickly that if he were not careful, he could be drawn into a hectic life of work, casual sex, hard drinking and so on, because some of his peers were living such a lifestyle. He decided he would be on guard and drew a line that he would not cross. He would only entertain clients over a meal but he would never offer alcohol. He avoided arranging for meetings in clubs and bars. He made sure he set aside time to attend church services, and even serve in church. He is standing firm in his faith and he is not afraid to tell his boss what he will and will not do to get business. As he honors God, God honors him with good sales results. 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for your Word that encourages us to remain firm in our faith, to be courageous and strong in the face of temptations and persecutions. Please help us to continue to do this all the days of our lives. We ask this in the mighty name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Questions

1. What are some temptations and distractions you face today that threaten to take you away from your faith in the Lord? Share.
2. How have you been able to remain courageous and strong in the face of religious persecutions or ridicule because of your faith? Share.
3. How has the Lord helped you even as you seek to be courageous and strong?
4. What are some things you can do out of love for others in your life?