1 Peter 1:13 KJV
[13] “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”
The Greek word for “gird up” here is anazōnnumi. This word only occurs here in the Scriptures. It reveals the culture of the Bible world when people wore long, flowing garments. They would gather them up into their girdle while working or when they were going on a journey.
Remember, when the Israelites ate the Passover in Egypt, the Lord gave them a direct command before leaving the land of bondage forever. This command was that they were to eat it “with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand”. It is easy to detect the element of haste evident in this situation. They were about to leave the old way of life forever and live as people redeemed by precious blood. They were to be pilgrims living according to new laws and possessors of a new life and hope. They were on the way to Canaan, the land of corn and wine.
The believer today is to have the loins of his mind girded up. There must be no slackness or looseness in his thoughts. He must tighten his mental powers in view of Calvary and the return of the Lord.
We are also to “be sober.” The Greek word here is nēphō, which means not to be drunk. As Christians, we must be serious about the times in which we are living. We must be serious about our Father’s business. The church has become a place of entertainment, performance, and comfort. Christianity in America has become more about receiving than giving. We have allowed the liberals to change our Bibles, the modernists to rob us of our worship, and the contemporary movement to distort our songs. We need to tighten the ropes of our thinking. I encourage you to have a sober heart and a sound mind! The actions of others should not cause you to question what you have always known is right. Do not be guilty of following the latest trends in our churches, but stick with the old stuff! Keep your mind saturated in the Word of God rather than the philosophy of men. The methods and thoughts of men are constantly changing, but the doctrines and principles of God’s Word will never change. Don’t loosen up on the final stretch of the journey. Be determined to finish your course with joy. Do not allow the world, the flesh, and the devil to warp your way of thinking. Be sober-minded in the Scriptures.