"Words To Live By"

June 10, 2023 | By Chuck

 Maybe your mom, dad, or grandparents have shared with you a thought or teaching that you feel are words to live by. It could be those words to live by are steeped in scripture or rooted in deep convictions. Words to live by resonate with us and motivate us to conduct ourselves in a certain manner. The Bible is filled with words to live by. In fact, it is the Word to live by.

            As Paul wraps up I Corinthians, he offers some powerful words to live by. “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” (I Corinthians 16:13-14) So much is said in these two short verses that definitely apply to us today. We have an enemy that wants nothing more than to destroy us spiritually, so we must always be watchful. Being watchful is about being aware of your surroundings and not allowing yourself into a situation that may lead to sin.

            Every Christian should stand firm in the faith. Know what you believe and why you believe it and be willing and able to stand and defend the faith. We live in a world that is becoming more and more outspoken about sin, so we must be outspoken in our defense of the faith. It’s interesting that after Paul urges his readers to “stand firm in the faith,” he writes, “act like men, be strong.” We need men to be strong spiritual leaders in their homes and in the Lord’s church to lead us in our defense of the faith. And most of all, everything we do must be “done in love.” It doesn’t matter what we do or accomplish if we don’t do it in love.

            Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Truly these are words to live by.