“Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;” I Peter 4:1
When we think about arming ourselves, our minds might go to knights in shining armor or soldiers preparing for battle, putting on their physical armor to protect themselves and fight against their enemies. This image of gearing up, of preparing for a challenge, is powerful and has been part of human history since the dawn of man.
However, when we turn to the wisdom of the Bible, we find a different kind of preparation being talked about. In I Peter 4:1, we’re told to “arm yourselves likewise with the same mind.” This isn’t about physical armor; it’s about preparing our minds, about a spiritual readiness. God wants us to be equipped not with swords and shields, but with a mindset that is ready to face the challenges of faith.
Peter goes on to clarify how we can arm our minds. The first step is to learn to follow the will of God, rather than the desires of men.
“That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” I Peter 4:2
This verse speaks volumes. It tells us that the rest of our time on earth isn’t meant to be spent chasing after what the world wants from us, but rather, what God wants for us. It’s a call to prioritize our spiritual duties over our earthly desires.
The second step is to become comfortable with being considered strange by the world. “Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you:” I Peter 4:4
Indeed, following the path God has set out for us can make us seem strange or different in the eyes of others. Peter himself was no stranger to this perception. His dedication to spreading the word of God and living according to His will must have seemed odd to many. Yet, this strangeness is a badge of honor for Christians. It’s a sign that we are not living for this world, but for something much greater.
“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:15
This tells us that our lives are not our own to live in selfish pursuit. We live for Christ, who gave His life for us.
Arming ourselves with the mind of Christ means recognizing that our time on earth is limited and precious. It’s about making a conscious decision to live differently, to set aside our worldly desires in favor of God’s will. It may make us seem strange in the eyes of the world, but in the grand scheme of God’s kingdom, it’s exactly where we’re supposed to be.
So, let us arm ourselves, not with physical weapons, but with the powerful mindset of faith, dedication, and a willingness to be strange for Christ. It’s the surest way to live a life that honors God and fulfills the purpose He has for each of us.
