The book definition of brace is a device fitted to something, in particular a weak or injured part of the body, to give support. After a car accident, particularly a fender bender, it isn’t uncommon to see the person who was hit in a neck brace. Yet, in this age of mental health awareness, no one practices the concept of bracing your mind. Rather, drugs are often prescribed to kill your pain as if to pretend everything will be okay in the morning.
So brace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert); set your hope wholly and unchangeably on the grace (divine favor) that is coming to you when Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is revealed. 14 [Live] as children of obedience [to God]; do not conform yourselves to the evil desires [that governed you] in your former ignorance [when you did not know the requirements of the Gospel], 1 Peter 1:13-14.
When you listen and read the four accounts of the Gospel, Peter comes across as the most vocal disciple. While several of the disciples are shown periodically talking amongst one another, it is Peter who raises his voice to express opinions to Jesus. Unfortunately, Peter made a habit of talking before thinking through what he was about to say. Perhaps this is what caused Peter to exclaim “brace up your minds.”
If then you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For [as far as this world is concerned] you have died, and your [new, real] life is hidden with Christ in God, Colossians 3:1-3.
The apostle Paul adds to Peter’s statement in the passage above. When an individual transitions from living for themselves to dedicating their lives to God, this takes time. Programing your minds to exchange curse words for more appropriate terms isn’t easy. This is why it’s important for all Christians to brace up their minds so that your new life in Christ will eventually shine through to others.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 