Daily Reflections · Hope When Life Hurts (Part 15) · 1 Peter 1:13–16
A Challenge to Be Different
The pull of the world is every bit as strong and subtle as gravity. So invisible, yet so irresistible. So relentlessly there. It is never absent or passive. Unless we realize how strong and how subtle the world’s influence really is, we will not understand the passion behind Peter’s words.
Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance…
1 Peter 1:13–16
Reading these statements, we cannot help but catch something of Peter’s assertive spirit.
- He seems to be saying that this is no time to kick back.
- This is not a day to be passive.
Look at the forcefulness of his phrases:
- “Gird your minds for action”…
- “Keep sober”…
- “Fix your hope.”
He spits them out in assertive form. This means: “Straighten up and get serious.” He then talks about being holy because God is holy.
It is easy to let the world intoxicate us and fuzz our minds. But if we are to shake ourselves out of that dizzying spell, we must resist the power it exerts on us.
Peter is saying, “You have to realize that even though you are living in the cosmos, your mind, your eyes, your focus must be beyond the present.” This means: set your hope perfectly, unchangeably, without doubt and despondency. If not, you will erode into the cosmos mentality.
We will continue this section in our next Reflections.
Question for Reflection
We have been challenged to live differently — do you live differently?
Shalom & Maranatha!
Hillcross Ministry