Be on guard; stand firm in your faith...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 (AMP)
What does it take to have the strength of a champion?
First Samuel 30 tells the story of when David and his 600 men returned home one day to find that the enemy had taken their wives and children. As they grieved the loss of their families, the men were so upset that they decided to kill David. It may sound extreme, but many people going through a tragedy or difficult situation will look for someone to blame.
But look at David’s response. Verse 6 tells us he encouraged himself in the Lord. How did he do that? We don’t know the details—and the truth is, we don’t need to know. What matters is that David knew where to go for strength: his relationship with God.
Afterward, David and his men went on to win back their families—along with immense enemy plunder. And when 200 of his men became too tired to continue, David still gave back their families and possessions even though they hadn’t fought for them.
That’s the attitude of a true champion. This strength we’ve been discussing is not about looking great at the expense of others. In fact, when Paul encouraged the Corinthian church to be strong and courageous, he added something else to make sure they didn’t turn into arrogant go-getters. He said, “Let everything you do be done in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).
When you know where to get your strength—and you focus on loving and showing value to others—you’ll set yourself up for the best kind of success.
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