In Paul's concluding charge to the church at Corinth, he leaves them with four final commands. Paul exhorts them to be alert, firm, mature, and strong.      
He instructs them to be alert and to pay close attention to the necessary things in life and ministry. They must be able to discern the mundane from the 
most important. One thing that has never changed over time is our natural inclination to do what is easy and comfortable.      Being alert also requires us 
to hear God's voice for direction, wisdom and understanding. Being dull of hearing makes us miss the daily blessing that God has for us.    Paul also 
asks the listener to be firm. It is derived from the idea of maintaining the believers hope and boldness in the gospel. Our confidence is also at stake 
should we loose hope in God's working out his plan in our life.      We must be firm in allowing God to use whatever means he deems appropriate to 
complete a great work in us. Another goal of every believer must be Christian maturity. Paul's hope is that they would act and behave like men.      
They were not to pray for an easier life, but pray to be a stronger person; never to pray for tasks equal to your power; pray for power equal to your tasks. 
In doing so, we can do the impossible through Christ.     Last, Paul instructed them to be strong. God's method of strength is found in our absolute 
reliance upon Him. It is a call to self-denial, self-sacrifice and self-restraint. Amy Carmichael said it beautifully: God, harden me against myself, the 
coward with pathetic voice who craves for ease and rest and joy.  Myself, arch-traitor to myself, my hallowest friend, my deadliest foe, my clog, 
whatever road I go.



Dave Grimes