What are some things that we often prepare for? There are many things that quickly come to mind to me--right now I am preparing for another semester of school. We prepare for disasters that may arise depending on where we live. Many in southern California are prepared for the possibility of an earthquake while those living in Florida prepare each year for the possibility of a hurricane. Preparation encompasses almost every part of our lives. We are often preparing for something, even if it is as simple as our next meal.

I want to take a look at 1 Peter 1:13-16 this week. "Therefore prepare your minds for action..." As Christians we are called to a life of action. We are called to be salt and light in our world (Matthew 5:13-16). You have probably heard the saying that actions speak louder than words, and you have probably seen this lived out in the people that you know. The way that we live and the choices that we make should be evidence to others that we are believers in Christ, and as Peter states here in the Scriptures, we need to make sure that our minds are prepared to engage and bring about action that will show our world who and what is truth.

Reading further in this passage, Peter lays out a couple of things that will be helpful in this preparation. "...be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all that you do; for it is written: "Be holy because I am holy"."

Self control can be very difficult, but Peter mentions it two more times in this short book, and he wants to make sure his readers understand the importance of it. Chapter 4 verse 7 says this: "Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." And in 5:8 he says: "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

If we do not have self-control we are letting our guard down and giving the devil a foothold in our lives. We end up less prepared and not alert to what is happening. Peter is making a strong point that we have to do what it takes to be prepared. We need to be self-controlled so the things that could interfere in our awareness won't. If we fail to have self-control and an obedient heart, we will find ourselves in the lions den just waiting to get picked off.

By letting the world and all of its subtle charms creep into you life you slowly erode your preparedness and I guarantee that your actions will speak louder than anything that you might have to say.

Final Thought: Ask yourself what your actions are saying to others about Christians and the hope that we have as believers in Christ. Are you prepared and alert for opportunities to speak with your actions in a way that will be holy and righteous? As Peter reminds us in 1:15-16 we are called to be holy in all that we do because we are to be Christ like and as Leviticus 11:44 says, "be holy because I am holy".