1 Corinthians 16:13,14 - Waiting Orders!

1Co.16:13, 14: Waiting Orders!

1Co. 16:13, 14 (NIV) Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith;
be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love.

As the Corinthians awaited Paul's next visit, they were directed
to (1) be on their guard against spiritual dangers, (2) stand firm
in the faith, (3) behave courageously, (4) be strong, and (5) do
everything with kindness and in love. Today, as we wait for the return of
Christ, we should follow the same instructions.  [Life Application SB]

All have to meet the stern discipline of life. How to meet this
wisely is a lesson that should be made plain to every child and to
every youth. It is true that God loves us, that He is working for our
happiness, and that, if His law had always been obeyed, we should never
have known suffering; and it is no less true that, in this world, as
the result of sin, suffering, trouble, burdens, come to every life.
We may do the children and the youth a lifelong good by teaching
them to meet bravely these troubles and burdens. While we should give
them sympathy, let it never be such as to foster self-pity. What they
need is that which stimulates and strengthens rather than weakens.
They should be taught that this world is not a parade ground,
but a battlefield. All are called to endure hardness, as good
soldiers. They are to be strong and quit themselves like men. Let them be
taught that the true test of character is found in the willingness to
bear burdens, to take the hard place, to do the work that needs to be
done, though it bring no earthly recognition or reward.
The true way of dealing with trial is not by seeking to escape
it, but by transforming it.  ED295,6

It is discipline of spirit, cleanness of heart and thought, that
is needed. Moral purity depends on right thinking and right acting.
Evil thoughts destroy the soul, while a right control of the thoughts
prepares the mind to labor harmoniously for the Master. Every thought
should be brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
The teachers of truth must be wise men, very careful of their
words and actions. They must be men who will give meat in due season
to the flock of God; men who will not give the least sanction to
low standards of living; men who have that faith which works by
love, and purifies the soul from all carnal thoughts and desires.
Workers of this character will not grovel in earthliness; they will not
be in bondage to human beings or to Satan's temptations. They will
quit themselves like men, and be strong. They will turn their faces
to the Sun of Righteousness, rising above all base things into an
atmosphere free from spiritual and moral defilement.
He who lives the principles of Bible religion, will not be found
weak in moral power. Under the ennobling influence of the Holy
Spirit, the tastes and inclinations become pure and holy. Nothing takes
so strong a hold upon the affections, nothing reaches so fully down
to the deepest motives of action, nothing exerts so potent an
influence upon the life, and gives so great firmness and stability to the
character, as the religion of Christ. It leads its possessor ever upward,
inspiring him with noble purposes, teaching him propriety of deportment,
and imparting a becoming dignity to every action.
By what means shall the young man repress his evil propensities,
and develop that which is noble and good in his character? Let him
heed the words, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye
do, do all to the glory of God."[5 1 COR. 10:31.] Here is a
principle that is to underlie every motive, thought, and act. Unholy
passions must be crucified. They will clamor for indulgence, but God has
implanted in the heart high and holy purposes and desires, and these need
not be debased. It is only when we refuse to submit to the control
of reason and conscience that we are dragged down. Paul declared,
"I can do all things through Christ."[6 PHIL. 4:13.]  GW126-8