Be on guard; stand firm in your faith [in God, respecting His precepts and keeping your doctrine sound]. Act like [mature] men and be courageous; be strong. Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God’s love for us].
1 Corinthians 16: 13-14
It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day activities that keep us busy and occupied. Even when we are completely engulfed in doing that which Jesus has asked and called us, we must be alert. We can make ourselves so busy and “useful” doing good, that we may inadvertently allow a crack in our armor. We must ALWAYS be on guard.
Just because we are in obedience to Jesus doesn’t mean that things will be perfect. The enemy is watching and seeing where Jesus is directing us. And, he does not want us to get there. So, when we are on the mountain top looking around, we need to look inward and prepare ourselves.
Things can start off with a simple lousy night sleep that causes us to be a bit more tired. This can lead us to being a little less patient and a little more short with those we care about. Nothing will start big. It will start small and it can grow, but only if we allow it. We need to make sure to prepare daily and do the things necessary to take care of ourselves, both physically and spiritually.
Remain on guard, standing firm in faith and allow God’s love to shine through.