1 Peter Chapter 4: verse 1 (NIV)
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is finished with sin.
Luke chapter 9: verse 51 (NIV)
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.
The phrase that jumped out at me today was “arm yourselves also with the same attitude…” Peter is talking about the fact that Jesus was willing to physically suffer in his body the consequences for our sin. As I pondered the phrase, the verse from Luke came into my head. Jesus knew what lay ahead for Him, but He didn’t go dragging His feet, or feeling sorry for Himself. Luke tells us He went to His ultimate divine appointment resolutely.
The definitions from the on-line dictionary of Oxford Languages tells us that to do something resolutely means to do something in an admirably purposeful, determined and unwavering manner. We may not all have to physically suffer for our faith, but we will all have trials and tribulations to face. As followers of Christ, therefore we should face these with the same attitude as Jesus did; resolutely. But we don’t, at least not always. We are guilty at times of dragging our feet, or feeling sorry for ourselves if we are called to do something difficult, or face hard times. That then does not reflect the behaviour of the One we seek to emulate. We can face whatever comes across our path if we arm ourselves with the attitude of Christ.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example set by Jesus to be resolute and determined. I know I can’t do that in my own strength but help me to clothe myself in Christ as You reminded me to do in one of last week’s readings. I ask in the name of the One I seek to emulate. Amen.