ARMED WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST

Sir Godfrey Gregg OHPM, ROMC

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. — 1 Peter 4:1-2

Most Christ followers readily embrace the reality of Christ’s suffering. We may even find comfort in the fact that He suffered for us. However, the idea that we should be willing to suffer, or even rejoice in the midst of suffering, is a proposition too difficult for most people to accept. Yet that is the message of the gospel. Christ endured the wrath of God and suffered on the cross of Calvary in our place that we might endure the suffering of this world and stand in victory for His glory.

Easier said than done? Yes. That is why we must “arm” ourselves with the mind of Christ. The ability to journey the road of suffering while giving God glory can only be accomplished as we walk in Christ and display His attitude. This does not mean we enjoy life’s testing times, but it does mean we can rejoice in the midst of difficult moments.

Rest in this truth: the same resurrection power that frees you from the slavery of sin and gives you the ability to live according to God’s will also sustain you in the midst of suffering. He really is working for your good and His glory, so don’t waste the tough times. Embrace His will.

So many people walked away to follow their own lusts and the things of this wicked world and then blamed their problems on other God-fearing men and women. Your quest to do wrong lies deep in your heart and soul. Only you can walk away from the barrier that God has placed around you. Therefore, brethren arm yourself with the mind of Christ in order to stand.

Dear Jesus, thank You for enduring the Cross for my sin. Help me to have a Christlike attitude and walk according to Your will as I face tough times in life. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Caribbean and these United States of America Amen.