“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,” (1 Peter 4:1, ESV)

“I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” So goes the famous rally cry of  Patrick Henry, in his address on March 23, 1775. It was a war cry that raised colonial militias and became a cry of the "minutemen". These words were symbolic for fighting against the tyranny of British rule. 

Rally calls, battle cries, and banner worthy slogans have been uttered throughout history. And Americans are not the only ones. The Japanese used, “Tenno Heika Banzai," as a cry to exalt their emperor and wish a long life. It had been used in battle, or at times of celebration. “Deus Hoc Vult,” was used in the Crusades as a rally to take the holy lands. These entreaties to action have been used to muster the troops, strengthen the weak, and embolden timid hearts. 

Genuine Christianity has many such cries. Slogans reminding believers of the tactics of battle. It is important to note a sanctified and holy version of the ‘battle cry’ is in mind. Consider the cry of 1Peter 4:1, “Arm yourselves with the same way of thinking”. A statement bellowing out regarding the Christians need to equip themselves with a particular pattern of thinking because of the truth of the gospel. 

Make use of such phrases. Speak them to one another. Find them in the least likely passages. The verse we’re considering isn’t among the list of usual suspects. Even so, arm yourselves with the way of Christ’s thinking.