I Peter 1:13 ”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;”
To “gird” is to bind about; that is, as a carpenter will bind about him a belt containing pouches and catches for his tools and materials. In Biblical times soldiers would bind about (“gird”) themselves with implements of warfare such as a sword and travel supplies. The idea is that one who is girded is equipped for the task at hand. Solomon described our fundamental task at hand this way, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). In the New Testament Jesus described our Christian task at hand this way, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). To accomplish this duty Paul instructs us to, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth …” (Ephesians 6:14). Thus, we conclude that Peter is exhorting us to fill our mind with the “truth” of God (The Word Of God) so as to be equipped for our Lord’s service. We “gird up the loins of our mind” by regular attendance to Church services, daily Bible reading, and practicing the “truths” we learn. The Bible thoroughly furnishes us (II Timothy 3:17) with information essential to life in the Lord’s service. In times of distress and trial there is guidance and comfort when fear and heartbreak would otherwise overcome us. In times of prosperity there are instructions in good stewardship of our blessings. Jesus exhorts us this way, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:29). Jesus Christ is the sinner’s friend (Luke 7:34). When we come to know ourselves as sinners, there is great joy in having “the loins of our mind” girded with the knowledge that we are saved by the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8) and that He careth for us (I Peter 5:7).