“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober…” (1 Peter 1:13).
Part One
In Biblical days in the orient, a man would normally wear a long flowing gown. This style of dress was appropriate when in a relaxed mood and position. However, if he had to move fast or engage in any strenuous activity such as manual labor, he would tie his robe around his waist with a belt for more freedom of movement.
Here Peter is telling us to do this same thing with our minds. One translator has rendered this phrase “brace up your minds.” Another interprets it “have your minds ready for action.”
In Exodus 12:11 we read God’s instruction to Israel about how they were to partake of the Passover meal: “And thus you shall eat it: with a belt on your waist, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand…” (NKJ). The children of Israel were told to eat in preparation for the march ahead.
We believers should be as ready to move fast and to endure long as those who prepared for battle, for labor or for a race. As one source puts it: “Christians must bring all loose thoughts and feelings under restraint. We need to brace all the powers of the thinking faculty in order to keep going on our pilgrimage towards heaven.”
We believers are engaged in spiritual warfare. If we are to win the battle for the souls of men, we must first win the battle for our own minds. We can be capable of energetic mental action and unfettered practical intelligence.
We can fortify our minds with the mind of Christ in Whom there is no fatigue, no fantasy, no overworked imagination. With our minds harnessed for the long and arduous trek which lies ahead. Let’s get going!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.