Our Manual

“Gird up the loins of your mind...” 1 Peter 1:13

Back in Peter’s day, men wore flowing garments that they had to tuck into belts when they had work to do. The long garment could seriously impede them if they had to run or work fast, so it was necessary to tuck it in so they would not trip over them. But how do we follow Peter’s admonition to gird up in relation to our mind?

I think it means to be ready for the work the Lord has for us. Before the pandemic, when we used to go on regular store visits to our branches, we found the stores were clean, the displays were well arranged and in order. They were well stocked in order to sell well. The staff did their duties and we did not have to remind them of anything they missed in relation to their job. Our staff has a manual where their job is described and all they need to do is to follow it. 

We too have a manual. If we want to do our job well, for our Father in our “family business” as I like to call it, we need to study it, and follow it. The Bible teaches us so much, especially how to gird up the loins of our mind. We have to be able to think clearly, and exercise self-control. In that way we can look forward to the special blessings and inheritance held in store for us!