Christians live in the future tense; their present actions and decisions are governed by the knowledge that they have a living, resurrected Saviour whom they will someday see. Just as an engaged couple makes all their plans in the light of that future wedding, so Christians should live with the expectation of seeing Jesus Christ.

“Gird up the loins of your mind,” Peter urges. This simply means, “Pull your thoughts together! Have a disciplined mind!” The image is that of a robed man, tucking his skirts under the 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. Peter may have borrowed the idea from the Passover supper. The Jews were supposed to eat the Passover meal in haste, ready to move.

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.

Remember this: “God hath begotten us … unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Peter 1:3-4).

Read: Titus 2:11-15.

Action assignment: Look up the word hope in a good dictionary. Meditate on the idea of a living hope in relationship to today’s reading. Thank God for this living hope.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in