Preparing Our Minds

Scripture – 1 Peter 1:13-16: Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Observation – “Prepare your minds for actions.” What an interesting command! When I’m getting ready for something, I often spend some time in prayer. I’ll gather whatever materials I need. I might do some other physical preparation. But I don’t spend much, if any, time in mental preparation – certainly not as Peter describes here. To be self-controlled – presumably to concentrate on the task or situation ahead. To re-focus on the hope in which we live. To avoid conforming to the desires of my human nature – especially recognizing when those desires are trying to push their way in. To be “holy in all you do.” The essence of being “holy” is to be set apart for God’s service. What are the implications for doing that in “all” I do?

Application – I will stop and take time to prepare my mind before going into the office today. I will follow Peter’s outline in doing that.

Prayer – Lord, teach me and/or make me holy today. Give that servant attitude – that outward perspective – so I don’t run everything through my “me first” filter.