Bible history will tell you that the church at Corinth had its fair share of problems; quarrels over spiritual heritage, lawsuits among members, and incest, just to name a few. Paul brings correction to these issues by leading them back to the gospel. He reminds them that they are now the temple of the Lord, that Jesus lives in them. It’s important to know that behavior comes out of identity, not identity out of behavior. Who we are effects what we do more than what we do effects who we are.

Paul continues in this incredibly rich book to describe how to properly steward freedom; warning them to avoid Israel’s mistake of not recognizing, and therefore rejecting, Christ. He speaks of order in the life of a Christian. He writes about spiritual disciplines, instructions on communion, and the value, place and usage of spiritual gifts in the church. This unfolds into the matchless chapter defining love. No other writing has ever, or will ever come close to such an accurate, stirring portrait of love. He then comes back to the gospel yet again; expounding on the fact that we now stand as recipients and participants in Christ’s resurrection. As Paul enters chapter 16, we find him summarizing and giving a few final instructions.

Verse 13 captured my attention this week as I read through this great book. "Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong."

I realized how simple the instruction is, and how convoluted the definition of how real men act has become today. Sadly, the church has not only allowed, but supported the emasculation of men. Stands are not taken, and necessary hard words are left unsaid because we have somehow convinced Godly men of a bad interpretation of the word "nice".

I want to take a few weeks of this column to present what the Bible means when it says, "Act like men."

After all guys, Jesus took away our sin; He didn’t take away our backbones.