On Guard Against Temptation

The Word of the Day is “watch.” In today’s reading of 1 Corinthians 16:13-24, St. Paul closes his letter with these final instructions: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love” (vs. 13). This passage brings to mind the image of a sentinel who does guard duty against all enemies. There is no need for such a lookout in times of peace and security. But in times of war and insecurity, such a watchman is critical. In St. Paul’s mind, we must always be watchful for the threats to our souls and the church. This vigilance can empower us to resist temptation when it comes upon us.

All the moral chaos and faithlessness surrounding us should remind us that “The Kingdom of God suffers violence” in this world (Matthew 11:12). Moreover, the state of our own souls also shows us that, like St. Paul, “we have not finished the fight” (1 Cor. 9:26-27).  But though we are often wounded by temptations, our wounds should not dismay us. St. John Chrysostom said, “Only those who don’t fight are never wounded.”  So, we must be ever watchful for attack and determined to fight the devil lest the unbelief of this age and the temptations of our souls overcome us. 

St. John Chrysostom comments that in our reading, St. Paul was referring to his opponents in Corinth, the deceivers, the conspirators, and the dividers and detractors who had taken over the congregation (NPFP 1/12, 265). But for us, the dangers may not be so clear. What, then, should we watch for? The answer is that anything that is against love has the potential to divide us from God or our neighbor. So then, we should protect love against hatred, bitterness, jealousy, quarreling, and selfishness. Love, when fostered in all circumstances, especially times of tension and struggle, can comfort us and give us hope in the face of negativity.

For Reflection: 

The desert father, Poeman said, “The beginning of evil is heedlessness” (Ward, The Sayings of the Desert Fathers, 173). How can you stand on guard bravely and boldly against all the dangers to your soul and the church?