WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND

"Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober and rest your hope
fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of
Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:13

"'The revelation of Jesus Christ' is another expression for the 'living
hope' and 'the appearing of Jesus Christ.' Christians live in the future
tense; their present actions and decisions are governed by this future
hope. Just as an engaged couple makes all their plans in the light of
the future wedding, so Christians today live with the expectation of
seeing Jesus Christ.

"Gird up the loins of your mind" simply means, "Pull your thoughts
together! Have a DISCIPLINED MIND!" The image is that of a man, tucking
his skirts under his belt, so he can be free to run. When you center
your thoughts on the return of Christ, and live accordingly, you escape
the many worldly things that would encumber your mind and hinder your
spiritual progress . . .

Outlook determines outcome; attitude determines action. A Christian who
is LOOKING for the glory of God has a greater motivation for present
obedience than a Christian who IGNORES the Lord's return. The contrast
is illustrated in the lives of Abraham and Lot. Abraham had his eyes of
faith on the heavenly city, so he had no interest in the world's real
estate. But Lot, who had tasted the pleasures of the world in Egypt,
gradually moved toward Sodom. Abraham brought blessing to his home, but
Lot brought judgment. Obedience determined outcome.

We should also have a SOBER MIND. The word means 'to be calm, steady,
controlled; to weigh matters.' Unfortunately some people get 'carried
away' with prophetic studies and lose their spiritual balance. The fact
that Christ IS coming should encourage us to be calm and collected. (1
Peter 4:7) The fact that Satan is on the prowl is another reason to be
sober-minded (1 Peter 5:8). Anyone whose mind becomes undisciplined, and
whose life 'falls apart' because of prophetic studies, is giving
evidence that he does not really understand Bible prophecy.

We should have an OPTIMISTIC MIND. 'Hope to the end' means 'set your
hope fully.' Have a hopeful outlook! A friend of mind sent me a note one
day that read: 'When the OUTlook is gloomy, try the UPlook!' Good
advice, indeed! It has to be dark for the stars to appear.

The result of this spiritual mind-set is that a believer experiences the
grace of God in his life. To be sure, we will experience grace when we
see Jesus Christ; but we can also experience grace today as we look for
HIS return! We have been saved by grace and we depend moment by moment
on God's grace (1 Peter 1:10). Looking for Christ to return strengthens
our faith and hope in difficult days, and imparts to us more of the
grace of God." Adapted from Dr. Warren Wiersbe's commentary on 1 Peter
from THE BIBLE EXPOSITION COMMENTARY.

Good words for you to ponder as we begin this new week! How is your mind
today?

Great quote: And what kind of habitation pleases God? What must our
natures be like before he can feel at home within us? He asks nothing
but a pure heart and a single mind. He asks no rich paneling, no rugs
from the Orient, no art treasures from afar. He desires but sincerity,
transparency, humility, and love. He will see to the rest. A. W. Tozer