FRIDAY August 28, 2026
Gird up Your Mind
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....
1 Peter 1:1
How must believers respond because of their great hope in Christ? Peter encouraged them to “gird up the lions of your mind.” The mind is so powerful that not only needs to be guarded, but also girded. There are people who have confided in me, saying, “Well, I have a problem with pornography.” I respond, “Did you throw away your computer?” I mean if you have an addiction to pornography, then take the necessary steps to free yourself from it. If you want help, be willing to take action. Whatever the sin is, take action––a take a step of faith and obedience.
The word gird is a biblical term. When men were working in the fields, or soldiers were fighting in battle, their tunics were gathered up toward their waists and secured with a belt. This way they were unhindered as they worked, ran, or fought in battle. When they girded themselves, they were always in a state of readiness. It is the same with us. We need to be ready to take action by girding the loins of our minds.
Practically, this means having a readiness to serve the Lord. Idle time is dangerous. A well-known quote by John Bunyan states: “An idle man’s brain is the devil’s workshop.” In other words, if you are not busy, then your idle time becomes Satan’s playground. Have you entertained sinful thoughts? If that sinful thought is acted upon, it can have terrible consequences. Therefore, take heed to obey 2 Corinthians 10:5 KJV: Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ....
Another area that will affect the mind is drinking alcohol and taking drugs. We need to be sober minded. Why? First Peter 5:8 NIV tells us: Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The word sober speaks of self-control, which is a fruit of the Spirit. Be very careful with your mind, and treasure God’s grace in your life.
When filled with holy truth, the mind rests.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
