Advice

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. 1 Peter 1:13

I think as we etch our way into 2014, this verse that I received in my email has some sage advice for the New Year.     

• “preparing your minds for action” I am reminded by this phrase that, as frequently as not, Christianity is a verb.  It is an action.  It is how we live, how we love, how we exist. It is a faith, for sure; but a faith that calls on no one to stand still.  We are to be prepared for action; as it says later in Peter’s letter, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you….” (visit 1 Peter 3:15)  I believe Christians are called to make a difference in the world, and that difference will not happen if we are sitting on our hands. 
• “being sober-minded” Despite the claims of our critics, Christianity is not a pie in the sky wishful thinking outlook on life.  Our faith is fully grounded in reality. We are not asked to check our brains at the door when we enter a church. We are sober-minded, being “transformed by the renewal of your mind.” (visit Romans 12:2)  We are firmly grounded in reality, yet...
• “set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” While we are prepared for action and our minds are soberly grounded in reality, we orient ourselves through the tremendous hope we have in Jesus as part of that reality.  Frankly, if we are really sober-minded, then we will realize that Jesus is the only real hope we have. Earlier Peters says, “he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead….” (visit 1 Peter 1:3) this is where our ultimate hope resides; anything else is a pale substitute.

Great advice for 2014.  Good words for living!