We protect what is valuable, and that is to be on our guard. The Bible is full of warnings to be on your guard against evils, temptations, and deceits. For example, we are told to
- Guard against all covetousness — Luke 12:15
- Guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (God’s peace will guard them) — Philippians 4:7
- Guard what has been entrusted to you — 1 Timothy 6:20
- Guard the good deposit entrusted to you — 2 Timothy 1:14
- Guard yourselves, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless people and lose your stability — 2 Peter 3:17
Paul is going to now encourage the believers by telling them to be on guard:
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love” (1 Cor 16:13-14).
There are many things trying to take us out of the faith – false teachings, sensuality, emotional drift to things and people that should not be.
BE ON YOUR GUARD.
STAND FIRM.
BE COURAGEOUS.
BE STRONG.
DO EVERYTHING IN LOVE.
But first, be on your guard. If we do not protect that which is valuable, everything we know can be taken away. It’s why we guard our hearts, our minds, our lives, and so much more.