[13] Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; [14] as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; [15] but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, [16] because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”
A Christian should be prepared (1 Pet. 1:13a). The phrase, “gird up the loins” describes preparation. People living in the first century would sometimes tuck the ends of their long flowing robes into their belts. This “girding” process allowed them to get ready to run fast or to work hard. Here, Peter uses the image to describe getting your mental state ready. Part of our preparation is focusing on spiritual rather than material things (Col. 3:1-4; 1 Jn. 2:15). Every child of God should understand the reality of temptation and God’s provided way of escape (Jam. 1:12-15; 1 Cor. 10:13). True “sons of light” will remain sober-minded, exhibiting proper self-control (1 Thess. 5:5-8).
A Christian should be positive (1 Pet. 1:13b). How could a child of God be negative while remembering the favor God bestows and the hope we have in Christ? Biblically, hope should be understood as a confident expectation of good. In the New Testament this concept relates to Jesus’ accomplishments and promised blessings for His faithful (Rom. 5:1-2; Tit. 1:2; Heb. 6:19). There is nothing doubtful in Biblical hope. Peter connects our optimism specifically to the return of Jesus. This is the time when what we eagerly await will be realized, and for this reason we love and long for His appearing (Rom. 8:23-25; 2 Tim. 4:8). And what a joy to hear how no external force holds the power to separate us from the love of God (Rom. 8:37-39)!
A Christian should be peculiar (1 Pet. 1:14). Of course, the Lord’s church is called out of the world (Jn. 15:19). A peculiar people are a unique possession, owned by God (1 Pet. 2:9; Tit. 2:14). We have a different attitude than the carnally minded world (Rom. 8:5-8). Christians choose to obey and model their lives after Christ, loving and serving God rather than self (Jn. 14:15; Rom. 12:1-2). But the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Cor. 1:18). Those who lead riotous lives see submission and devotion to Christ as odd (1 Pet. 4:4). If we truly are God’s children, then we will resemble Him in our lives (Rom. 8:16-18; 1 Jn. 2:6; 3:8-10).
A Christian should be pure (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Holiness describes that which is set apart or sanctified. This has always been what God requires of His people (Lev. 11:44; Jer. 7:23). God’s holy priesthood of the New Testament age must have holy conduct (1 Pet. 2:5, 9; 2 Pet. 3:11). This holiness is found in emulating the LORD’s purity (1 Pet. 2:22; 1 Jn. 1:5; 3:3). This call to higher living is an integral part of God’s plan for redeeming the church, His bride (Eph. 5:27; Col. 1:22; 2 Tim. 1:9). May we ever strive to be prepared, positive, peculiar, and pure!
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