“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
September 11, 2023
How are men and women to play the role of a man? Was Paul a sexist? The Corinthians knew exactly what was meant by such a challenge. It was the first century world and by no means confused about the roles of men and women in the everyday life. The letter, being written to the church at Corinth, addressed a list of problems that plagued their effectiveness for Christ. Immaturity in the faith (1 Cor. 3:1; 14:20) exposed the lack of courage in facing conflict and a variety of problems. Playing favorites among preachers, jealousy, rivalry, substituting emotion for biblical thinking, an unwillingness to confront immorality, trying to curry the favor of the pagan Corinthians culture. It was no time for cowardice, timidity, and hiding from the right thing to do. Do we not need this call to courage? Absolutely. Spirit inspired boldness is needed. May God help us to display the manliness of Christ and work at getting along with others, disciplining ourselves, quit following personalities, and refusing to thrive on attention and applause. In other words, grow up mentally, emotionally, volitionally, verbally, morally, and socially. To say “man up” is by no means a so-called micro-aggression. It is the kind of bravery that stands strong for Christ in the heat of spiritual warfare.
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“Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.” Psa. 31:24