So prepare your minds to action, be completely sober [in spirit – steadfast, self-disciplined, spiritually and morally alert], fix your hope completely on the grace [of God] that is coming to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:13)

There’s a lot to digest in that verse! When I’m trying to understand a passage and take it personally, I sometimes reword it to be the exact opposite. So… here’s my attempt at that – read it slowly and thoughtfully – and maybe sarcastically:

Relax! Be lazy about your thoughts – forget that God cares about what fills your mind. Feel free to be wishy-washy, undisciplined, spiritually and morally asleep. Half-heartedly put your hope in God’s grace, since you’re not sure Jesus will really come back. (1 Peter 1:13, JOV*)

I hope you agree with me that my “opposite” translation is ridiculous; however, if we really think about it, the incorrect version is often the way some people live!

Just as good parents seek to prepare their children for the future, God wants His children to be prepared too – not frantic or fearful about what is to come. For the believer, the end times are evidence that the Good News is on the way. Even though the end times are promised to be difficult, troubling, and awful, the future assured for the believer is eternally blessed in the presence of Jesus.

For the unbeliever, there’s reason to be frantic and fearful – because for the unbeliever, the end times are evidence that bad news is headed their way! That’s why, during these days that seem a lot like the end times described in God’s Word, it’s so important for believers to live and speak in ways that demonstrate their faith in the One who IS coming back!

God cares about your thoughts, God cares that you be alert to His activity in the world, God cares that you place your FULL hope in His grace, God cares that you KNOW He’s coming back for you. If He cares about these things, then we should too! Let’s be intentional and prepared in body, mind, and spirit.

By Judy Shrout

*Judy’s Opposite Version