Wisdom In All Things Special Series
In the sixteenth chapter of Corinthians, you’ll find these two verses, tucked in there, seemingly as a random stream of consciousness, part of Paul’s closing in his first letter to this church in Corinth:
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14
This has always struck me as odd: Why did God have Paul just stick in these two verses at this point of his letter to the Corinthians?
On one hand, it seems randomly inserted betwixt a concern for Apollos and Stephanas. But on the other hand, it does make sense, given that this section of the letter is titled, in some versions of the Bible, the “final instructions.”
I know, God doesn’t ‘do random.’ Perhaps there are characteristics about these two men that brought to mind the broader exhortation in verses 13-14.
Of Stephanas and his household, Paul stated that they “have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. (1 Corinthians 16:15-18, emphasis mine)”
You can see that Paul thought highly of Stephanas and the other “fellow workers”. But more than esteem and respect them, observe the rigor in Paul’s word choice in the two verses we’ll be focusing on that preceded this description of Stephanas:
“The terms in this verse are all military: Watch ye, watch, and be continually on your guard, lest you be surprised by your enemies… Stand fast in the faith – Keep in your ranks; do not be disorderly; be determined to keep your ranks unbroken; keep closetogether… Quit yourselves like men – When you are attacked, do not flinch; maintain your ground; resist; press forward; strike home; keep compact; conquer… Be strong – If one company or division be opposed by too great a force of the enemy, strengthen that division, and maintain your position… summon up all your courage, sustain each other; fear not, for fear will enervate you.”
Adam Clarke (1760-1832) was an Irish Methodist theologian and biblical scholar
This is someone you’d not only want to go into battle with but someone you’d certainly want to do ministry with.
One other observation I’d like to make is that while the exhortation seems a bit militant at first, it is balanced with the way our actions are to be carried out:
There is a singular contrast between the first four of these exhortations and the last. The former ring sharp and short like pistol-shots; the last is of gentler mould. The former sound like the word of command shouted from an officer along the ranks; and there is a military metaphor running all through them. The foe threatens to advance; let the guards keep their eyes open. He comes nearer; prepare for the charge, stand firm in your ranks. The battle is joined; ‘quit you like men’—strike a man’s stroke—’be strong.’
And then all the apparatus of warfare is put away out of sight, and the captain’s word of command is softened into the Christian teacher’s exhortation: ‘Let all your deeds be done in charity.’ For love is better than fighting, and is stronger than swords.
Alexander Maclaren (11 February 1826 – 5 May 1910) was a Scottish Baptist minister and writer.
In this 5-part Wisdom In All Things Special Series, we’ll unpack the implications of these two short verses from Paul, as they highlight 5 essential factors for living a life of purpose, wisdom, and impact.
EXPOSE | Be watchful
“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (emphasis mine)
EXPLORE | The discipline and duty of watchfulness
“Watch for cars.” “Watch your waist.” “Watch what you’re doing!”
Lots of watching. With good reason. Because there are a lot of things to watch out for. Both good and bad.
Paul doesn’t directly identify anything in particular that we are to watch out for, but that we should be in a state of watching. We are to be actively, and continually, watchful.
Here is how a few other versions of the Bible describe the first two words, “be watchful”: the King James Version renders them as “Watch ye”, The Message, “keep your eyes open”, with the New International Version translating them as “be on your guard.”
Combining those translations into one statement, you can get a pretty good overall understanding of what Paul is getting at: “You. Eyes open, be on guard.”
How Do We ‘Be’?
Let’s start by looking more closely at the word ‘be’.
At its core, “be” is a state of existence. It’s about being, existing, living. In its most basic sense, it indicates existence or presence. However, the word “be” is a copula, meaning it connects a subject to a predicate. As a connecting word, it can also have several other implications, depending on the context in which it is used.
For example, when we say “I am,” we are not simply stating that we exist. We are also implying that we are a certain way. We may be implying that we are confident, assertive, or determined. Or, we may be implying that we are humble, meek, or submissive.
If we say “Be a man,” we are not simply asking someone to be male. We are implying that they should be strong, courageous, and responsible. Similarly, if we say “Be a lady,” we are not simply asking someone to be female. We are implying that they should be polite, gracious, and respectful.
In both of these cases, the word “be” is being used to infer or insist on a certain type of behavior. The speaker is not simply asking the listener to be a certain way, but is an imperative, demanding that the listener behave in a certain way.
What we can understand about the word when it is used in a sentence like: “be watchful“
When we see “be” in a biblical context, it’s often a call to action. It’s not just about existing; it’s about how we exist. Take our two words for example (“be watchful”). It’s a call to vigilance, to be alert, to take action in being attentive and cautious, and doesn’t really allow for any other response than action.
The word “watchful” suggests that we should be actively paying attention to our surroundings and we should be prepared to take action if necessary. In that sense, the word “watchful” can also imply a sense of suspicion or distrust. It may mean we are to be wary of others, and to be on the lookout for deception or betrayal.
Peter attaches a reason for his insistence on our being watchful: you avoid being devoured.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
– 1 Peter 5:8
The ESV Global Study Bible identifies other instances where we are to be watchful:
- “…keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)
- “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:16)
- “…they are keeping watch over your souls,” (Hebrews 13:17)
Pastor David Guzik highlights that Jesus also commanded us to watch:
- “Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 24:42)
- “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41)
- “But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he ought not to be… let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains… the one who is on the housetop not go down… to take anything out, and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! Pray that it may not happen in winter.” (Mark 13:14-18)
When Jesus used the metaphor of being watchful, it most often referred to His second coming. While Paul also uses it in the same way, in our two verses he distinctly emphasizes we are to stay awake and keep our eyes open understanding that, as Alexander MacLaren highlights, “There is the military idea underlying it.”
“What will become of an army if the sentries go to sleep? And what chance will a Christian man have of doing his devoir (duty, responsibility) against his enemy, unless he keeps himself awake, and keeps himself alert?”
Alexander Maclaren
As with the military, “watchfulness” is also part of the discipline and duty of the Christian life. But our diligence is not only in watching our surroundings but also requires a thorough examination of our motives.
Steering clear of obvious wrongdoings is one thing, but to respond quickly and effectively to the subtle and sudden attacks of temptation, we must scrutinize the entry points of deceptive motives. It would be no different than securing the front door but leaving the back door wide open for trouble.
A part of staying watchful is making it a habit to inspect our motives and the reasons driving our actions: “Why am I doing this?”
” ‘Watch ye,’ for yonder, away in the dark, in the shadow of the trees, the black masses of the enemy are gathered, and a midnight attack is but too likely to bring a bloody awakening to a camp full of sleepers.”
alexander maclaren
The Apostle Paul is like a seasoned coach, urging his audience to stay vigilant—not just a casual watch, but a thorough monitoring of themselves. It’s a watchfulness that extends to every nook and cranny of their lives—thoughts, affections, words, actions, and even their whole conversations. And it’s not a solo mission; they’re also called to keep an eye on each other. The goal? To steer clear of bad principles, resist evil practices, and be on guard against the sneakiest entry points of sin. There’s a laundry list of things to watch out for—unbelief, the relentless schemes of Satan, the alluring traps of the world, and the deceptive teachings of false prophets.
“The Corinthians were in manifest danger upon many accounts: their feuds ran high, the irregularities among them were very great, there were deceivers got among them, who endeavoured to corrupt their faith in the most important articles, those without which the practice of virtue and piety could never subsist.”
Matthew Henry
Whether the danger is from inside or outside the church, we are urged to consider all that is at stake. There’s a whole audience watching—the omniscient eyes of God, the attentive gaze of angels, the supportive look from fellow saints, and the scrutinizing eyes of both good and evil people.
Even the eyes of devils are waiting for a chance to wreak havoc. But beyond the audience, “unwatchfulness” opens the door to a host of evils, temptations, and snares. And to sharpen the point even further—we never know when Christ might make His appearance, whether in the form of death or the final judgment. So, keeping watch is not just a task; it’s a necessity.
EXECUTE | A guide to “being watchful”
A person who is exercising “watchfulness” in their lives is someone aware of the world around them and can think critically about what they see and hear. They are not easily fooled or manipulated and can make sound decisions based on facts and evidence.
You could also describe a watchful person as a realist because they see the world as it is, not as they want it to be. They can identify potential problems and take steps to avoid them but are also able to see opportunities that others may miss.
I see there being 3 phases to becoming watchful.
Phase 1: Develop the key characteristics of a watchful person:
- Attentiveness: The ability to pay close attention to your surroundings. Be aware of the people, places, and things around you. Notice any changes or anything that seems out of place. Pay attention to any negative thoughts or emotions that could cloud your judgment.
- Discernment: The ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. D.L. Moody has a good quote to urge us to know God’s Word in order to spot what isn’t true. He put it this way: “The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or to spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it.”
- Prudence: The ability to exercise caution when making wise and practical decisions, but also with new information. While we should be open to new information, we should not just accept it at face value. Ask the right questions. Give yourself time to discern. Seek counsel as necessary.
- Vigilance: The ability to be constantly on the lookout for danger or trouble, while remaining aware of your biases and assumptions so that they do not cloud your judgment.
Phase 2: Add Situational Awareness to the key characteristics
If we’re to be diligent as Paul portends, it would be prudent to add a heightened level of watchfulness with Situational Awareness. This is a critical skill, often honed in the military I realize, but valuable in various aspects of life. It involves being attuned to our surroundings, understanding the environment, and assessing potential risks and opportunities. Here’s how a person, especially someone with military training, executes situational awareness:
Observation: The first step is keen observation, paying close attention to your surroundings, and taking in details like terrain, weather, and the behavior of people and objects. This involves actively using all of your senses to gather information about your surroundings.
Information Gathering: They actively seek information, whether through communication, intelligence reports, or maps. This helps in building a comprehensive picture of the current situation. Who around you holds valuable information?
Risk Assessment: Evaluate potential risks by identifying potential threats and assessing their severity. It’s about understanding what could go wrong and how to mitigate it. Once you have gathered information, you need to comprehend what it means. This involves understanding the significance of the information and how it relates to your current situation.
Decision-Making: Based on the information gathered and the risk assessment, make informed decisions. These decisions can range from simple adjustments to complex strategic choices. The final step in situational awareness is to project what is likely to happen in the future. This involves using your understanding of the current situation to anticipate potential events and make informed decisions.
Adaptation: Situational awareness isn’t static. It requires constant adaptation as the situation evolves. Be flexible and ready to adjust their plans as needed.
Team/family Coordination: Effective situational awareness involves sharing information and coordinating actions with teammates (co-workers, family members) to achieve a common goal.
Maintaining Focus: Distractions can be detrimental. A person with strong situational awareness remains focused on the task at hand, minimizing distractions that could compromise their understanding of the situation.
Self-Awareness: In addition to external awareness, it’s also about understanding your own capabilities and limitations. This self-awareness helps in making realistic decisions.
Situational awareness is a skill that improves with practice. While we’re not talking about undergoing rigorous military training, we can at least mentally simulate complex scenarios to prepare for real-world situations.
The goal is to be able to quickly assess a situation, make informed decisions under pressure, and adapt as needed. Maintaining a keen eye for detail, remaining vigilant and disciplined, and prioritizing teamwork, will benefit our professional and personal contexts where having a better understanding of your surroundings, anticipating potential problems, and making sound judgments is crucial.
Phase 3: if you want to go all-in, adopt the OODA loop
Military personnel are trained to execute situational awareness through a process known as the OODA loop. It’s like “weaponizing” situational awareness. This phase is a refined, systematic approach to understanding the situation around us, making better decisions, and taking more effective action:
- Observe: Gather information from all available sources, such as sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste. This includes observing the environment, other people, and oneself.
- Orient: Make sense of the information gathered by analyzing it and integrating it with prior knowledge and experience. This involves identifying patterns, trends, and anomalies.
- Decide: Make a decision based on the information gathered and analyzed. This may involve choosing a course of action, making a recommendation, or issuing a warning.
- Act: Take action based on the decision made. This may involve moving to a new position, engaging the “enemy”, or providing assistance to others.
This process is continuous and cyclical. As new information becomes available, the OODA loop is repeated. This allows us to maintain a high level of situational awareness and to make informed decisions in rapidly changing and uncertain environments.
Hopefully, you’re seeing the direct connection between being watchful and exercising wisdom. In order to make the best decisions–to act wisely–we need to know what is going on inside us as well as all around us. And what better way to know what is going on than to watch intently?
Someone who is living with a sense of watchfulness will be observant, vigilant, thoughtful, and engaged. They’ll actively observe and listen to the world around them with curiosity rather than passive detachment. They are present in the moment, grounded in reality, conscious of risks and patterns, self-aware, and trying to comprehend things more deeply.
Part 2 of this Wisdom In All Things Special Series will focus on “standing firm in the faith.”
Additional versions of 1 Corinthians 16:13-14:
“Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping.” (The Message)
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (NIV)
“Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” (KJV)
Photo by Ran Berkovich on Unsplash