February 11, 2019 -- I Peter 1:13-15 -- Prepared for action

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. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 

I Peter 1:13-15 ESV

We are always preparing for this or that. In a few minutes I need to prepare my lunch and snacks for work. Company is coming and we prepare by getting the house picked up and ensuring there are things to serve, like coffee or beer, cookies or pretzels. Rent is due and we are prepared by having sufficient monies in the account to cover it.

As those who are awash in the grace of Jesus Christ—the punishment for our sins was fully meted out against Jesus at the cross, the righteous life of Jesus is credited to us in exchange for our sinfulness, Christ is at the Father’s right hand, praying for us—we are called to prepare our daily lives so that they are fixed on, conform to, the grace that is ours in Jesus Christ.

In response to His grace, prepare your mind for action—read the Word. Make sure there is time in your schedule each day to be alone with God and get to know Him better.

Prepare your mind for action—know that there will be push-back against believing in Jesus Christ. Be ready to answer your critics and those who mock you. Pray that the Spirit will direct your response.

Prepare your mind for action—being ready in every circumstance to be obedient to Him. You know at work there is always the boss who pushes your buttons. You don’t want to get fired, so you control your reactions and keep a tight rein on your tongue. As followers of Jesus Christ, we do not want to discredit His Name or His reputation—so as those who bear His Name (Christians) we keep a tight rein on our tongues and are prepared not to fall for any temptations. We need to be prepared, knowing temptations will come.

Holy God, we praise Your Name. Thank You for the love You have shown us in Jesus Christ, by Whose blood we are called Your sons and daughters. Spirit of the Living God help us to prepare our minds for sober actions and joyful obedience so that in all things we say and do those around us will see Jesus Christ and know we are His followers. In the times we stumble and fail, give us the humility we need to confess our wrongs to You and those we wronged. The day is dawning, work and school, coffee times and idle conversations are all ahead of me—keep us alert and prepared for holy service. Amen.