Arm Yourself

Arm yourself with the mind of Christ, and suffering will no longer master you—it will refine you.

1 Peter 4:1 Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.

No student is greater than their master. If our Lord and Master Jesus Christ suffered in the flesh, what makes us think we can get away with pain and suffering in this world as a result of our faith? Blessed are we who can express our faith freely without having to fear physical torture and death, but let us not forget that there are still places in the world where Christians are killed for what they believe and for whom they follow.

That Christ suffered in the flesh confirms his mortal frame and humanity. He is the model and motivation for our behavior as His followers. Our conduct must be founded in the truth of what He has done for us, and to arm ourselves in our thinking means we shouldn’t be ignorant of this truth. More specifically, we must have the same understanding that Christ had, the same attitude and commitment that prompted Him to endure suffering.

And what mindset did Christ have? It involves nothing less than his subordination to the divine will of His father that confirmed his servant heart and spirit. Add to this His resistance to retaliation and His trusting commitment to God’s plan. He had a readiness to suffer and give up His life just so sinful man can be reconciled to a Holy God. When you embrace this same mindset, suffering no longer becomes a hindrance but a means for greater faith.

This mindset has some sort of disciplining effect. We don’t need to suffer physically for Christ to cease from sinning. Simply arming ourselves with the same mindset that Christ had should be enough to assist us in controlling our sinful tendencies. Let us also not forget the fact that we have been forgiven of all our sins. More importantly, we have with us and in us the Holy Spirit who empowers us to pursue holiness.

Lord Jesus, help me arm myself with Your mindset, one of obedience, humility, and trust in the Father’s will. Strengthen me by Your Spirit so that even in suffering I grow in holiness and faithfulness.

Eric James Estante

Eric has a deep passion for teaching God’s Word. He holds a degree in Theology from Central Philippine University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. He served as an associate pastor in his local church in Iloilo City for four years. Eric currently volunteers with his wife, Joey, teaching biblical marriage principles at their church in Alabang. They have one son.