“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober…” 1 Peter 1:13
I’m really excited about our new photography round robin (is that what you call it?) project for this year-The Illuminated Word. Myself, and several other photographers choose a passage, verse, etc. that speaks to us and show that in our daily lives here on our blogs.
We started a new Bible study this month at church, a study of 1 Peter. For those of you who don’t know much about this book here’s a a little background from the NIV…
“1 Peter is a letter in the Bible’s New Testament. The author of the letter is Peter. Peter was a disciple (student) of Jesus. And Peter became a leader in the first Christian church, in Jerusalem.
Peter wrote his letter to Christians who were suffering great troubles. Peter wanted them to trust God more. Their troubles would test them. But they were joyful, even when they suffered. They were joyful, because they trusted God’s promises. And they were joyful, because Jesus died for them.
So, Peter encouraged them to be holy. Their troubles would last for a short time. But God’s word lasts always. And they will always live with God in heaven. There, they will not suffer.”
So 1 Peter 1:13 says, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” Basically he’s saying, get your head in the game. Be of sober mind and don’t get intoxicated with things of this world. This really speaks to me so much right now b/c one of my big New Year’s Resolutions was to be more financially responsible. I’ve definitely been more mindful of my purchases and if they are true needs or just desires of my heart. That in turn, has forced me to really take an honest look at the desires of my hearts. My heart has definitely been intoxicated with many unnecessary things. Even though many of these things aren’t bad, all good things have a line when they become toxic to us. I think that’s exactly what Peter is telling us to be mindful of-get your head in the game and focus on the bigger picture, let that be the desire of your heart.
Another interpretation of this verse that I really liked came from the MSG:
13-16So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy.”
Now go over to the wonderfully talented Rachel Chaney’s blog and see what she illuminated!
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