When I read the news, when I hear what is going on in this world, I sometimes feel as if I’m in the twilight zone or a futuristic dystopia novel. But I believe the advice Paul penned 2000 years ago is applicable for us today:

1. Stay Alert. While I am tempted to put my head under the covers and pretend all is well (I just deleted the news app from my phone), we must stay engaged. We must pray for that which is right. We must hear not what is spoken but what the Holy Spirit is saying. We must search for truth not facts. We must engage in the world to make a difference in the world.

2. Hold firmly to what you believe. None of us have perfect theology. We need to hold firmly to these truths: God is good. Jesus is the only way to God. But allow the Holy Spirit to guide us into further truth. Let us not hold fast to traditions of men or men’s interpretation of the Bible. Let us not cleave to a political party or candidate, or a religious denomination. Let us believe that only Jesus is the answer and seek God’s will in every situation.

3. Be full of Courage. Doing what is right is not always easy; but it’s always right. Like Jesus, we are called to be the voice for those who are hurting, those who are marginalized by our society, those who have no voice. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Do what is right for the least of these.

4. Let Love and kindness be the motivation behind all you do. Let us love in our words and in our actions. Jesus was motivated by compassion. He laid down His life for us because He loved us, sinners.

Brothers and sisters, let us heed Paul’s advice and then roll up our sleeves and make a difference in this world.

“Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. Let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭16:13-14‬ ‭TPT‬‬