Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:13
There is lot of emphasis at this time on the importance of preparation and protection in light of this current crisis; specifically, how can we prepare and protect ourselves physically? Yes, we need to do whatever we can to take all the precautions possible to safe-guard ourselves and our loved ones. However, probably the most important area that also requires preparation and protection is our minds.
Peter’s writes his first letter to a people who are scared. They are beginning to see the first signs of Christian persecution and are naturally, becoming frightened. So what is Peter’s first piece of advice? Peter strongly asserts, we must keep our minds strong and clear. Here in this one verse, Peter gives us three things to do:
1 — Prepare for Battle — Quite literally, Peter tells us to, “Gird up the loins of our mind.” The image is of a soldier about to enter battle, who begins by first putting on all of his protective armour. Please recognize in this time of isolation, and with all the bombardment coming from media and other people’s opinions, it will effect our thoughts. Let us not be caught off guard; rather let us make sure we are battle ready!
2 — Stay Sober — Peter’s advice for getting our minds ready is to keep them sober. We are not to let any of our emotions take control and intoxicate our way of thinking. Yes, it is only natural, that we will feel overwhelmed with differing emotions: Fear, anxiety, loneliness, self-pity, etc.. However, we are to remain prepared, and must do what we can to not let any of these emotions gain control over us. Pray that our minds will remain strong in the power of God’s might.
3 — Know God’s Got This — Finally, Peter reminds us that we can keep our minds strong, because despite how things may look at any specific moment, for those who put their trust in Jesus, we know the ultimate victory is already won. And if God is watching out for us, then we can take confidence, knowing we are held secure in the good, strong hands of our God!
Suggested Further Reading: Ephesians 6:10–18
Preparing & Protecting Your Mind
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:13
There is lot of emphasis at this time on the importance of preparation and protection in light of this current crisis; specifically, how can we prepare and protect ourselves physically? Yes, we need to do whatever we can to take all the precautions possible to safe-guard ourselves and our loved ones. However, probably the most important area that also requires preparation and protection is our minds.
Peter’s writes his first letter to a people who are scared. They are beginning to see the first signs of Christian persecution and are naturally, becoming frightened. So what is Peter’s first piece of advice? Peter strongly asserts, we must keep our minds strong and clear. Here in this one verse, Peter gives us three things to do:
1 — Prepare for Battle — Quite literally, Peter tells us to, “Gird up the loins of our mind.” The image is of a soldier about to enter battle, who begins by first putting on all of his protective armour. Please recognize in this time of isolation, and with all the bombardment coming from media and other people’s opinions, it will effect our thoughts. Let us not be caught off guard; rather let us make sure we are battle ready!
2 — Stay Sober — Peter’s advice for getting our minds ready is to keep them sober. We are not to let any of our emotions take control and intoxicate our way of thinking. Yes, it is only natural, that we will feel overwhelmed with differing emotions: Fear, anxiety, loneliness, self-pity, etc.. However, we are to remain prepared, and must do what we can to not let any of these emotions gain control over us. Pray that our minds will remain strong in the power of God’s might.
3 — Know God’s Got This — Finally, Peter reminds us that we can keep our minds strong, because despite how things may look at any specific moment, for those who put their trust in Jesus, we know the ultimate victory is already won. And if God is watching out for us, then we can take confidence, knowing we are held secure in the good, strong hands of our God!
Suggested Further Reading: Ephesians 6:10–18
