1 Peter 1:13
"So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing, which will be given to you when Jesus Christ is revealed."
John is called the apostle of love. Paul is called the apostle of faith. Peter is the apostle of hope, and this letter was written simply to explain the Christian life and to encourage the followers of Jesus in living it.
In this verse, which has been called the antidote to materialism, Peter says to Christians, "Because you have the promise of Cod and the inheritance of eternal life to look forward to, live accordingly." He reminded them that God saw how they lived and therefore they should not be careless about living a holy life. For us, church attendance, prayer, and expressions of piety may be demonstrations of a holy life. But, how we behave daily demonstrates who we are. We are to consciously focus on Jesus' coming and dedicate ourselves to holiness.
Peter also says because you fix your hope on the grace of Jesus Christ "have your minds ready for action." One of the glories of the Christian faith is that we are called to worship God with our minds as well as with our hearts. Raising questions about what we believe or about what God is doing enables us to explore and strengthen our faith.
Even with a strong faith, in the midst of toils and troubles, it is easy to get off track when our faith is severely tested. Although we are assured that God's faithful care for us can be counted upon until our salvation is fully revealed, Peter makes it clear that our faith is not dependent upon everything going well with us here and now. He reminds us that we may suffer now, but glory follows.
Prayer: Father, as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, may we be more aware than usual of the hope of Christ's return in glory. Amen.
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