Be Alert

Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.     –  1 Corinthians 16:13 

Anyone who drives on the streets of this nation is familiar with traffic signs, among them the yellow diamond-shaped notices about what lies ahead. These may warn of speed bumps, falling rocks, steep hills, or divided highways. The really important signs are in red. While you may pay little attention to the yellow ones, the transportation department wants you to be alert. However, ignoring red signs increases your peril. 

In 1 Corinthians 16, the Apostle Paul is offering his closing thoughts to the believers at Corinth. “Be on your guard” is how the New International Version renders the start of today’s verse. In the Greek, his words sound like a military command, barked out by the drill sergeant. British theologian William E. Vine said, “These four exhortations have a military tone: the believers must be as sentinels on guard, must maintain their position, must manifest courage, and must become strong. And the exhortations were evidently needed against insensibility to spiritual dangers, against desertion from the truth, against moral weakening.” 

Theologian Matthew Henry says that Paul uses the present imperative to be on the alert because “a Christian is always in danger, and therefore should be ever watchful.” The alertness of believers not only applies to outside forces, but to those that are internal and can interrupt communion with God. Colossians 4:2 reminds you to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Keep yourself alert and awake by praising and thanking the Lord. Things are happening. God is working!  Heed His warning signs as you see them. And follow the last of the commands given in the next verse, “Do all in love.” Pray that members of Congress who are conducting investigations into numerous matters would be alert and aware, and receive the ability to discern truth from the Lord.