Sober Minded 3/3/2015

Good Morning,

My taste buds are being pleased this morning by my cup of Door County Mocha Mint Coffee. At times I believe that our kitchen is nothing more than a fine emporium of great coffee.

The Bible has much to say about not being intoxicated or drunk. Here are several verses dealing with sobriety.

1 Peter 5:8         

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

         

Galatians 5:21    

Envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

         

Proverbs 20:1    

Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.

         

1 Peter 4:7         

The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

I think we can safely say that being intoxicated with strong drink or drugs alters a person's mind and impedes their ability to think straight.

But what about intoxicating thoughts, or intoxicating actions? For instance someone who is controlled by pornography is intoxicated with lust and cannot think straight. For instance someone who is controlled by pride, who works day and night for recognition and is not a good parent or spouse is intoxicated with pride. They cannot concentrate on what is really important. How can we concentrate on God and our walk with Him if we are intoxicated with thoughts that are of the world?

1 Peter 1:13

Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

We need to guard our minds by concentrating on our Savior Jesus Christ. Our eyes need to be fixed on Him. Then and only then is there less room for the intoxicating lifestyle and intoxicating thoughts to gain a foothold in our lives.

Sobering thoughts?

God bless,

Marty