“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (emphasis added).”
–1 Peter 1:13
Peter says that an important part of living godly and holy lives is being “sober-minded.” This idea of being sober-minded has a couple of different meanings.
The underlying Greek word for “being sober-minded” in the New Testament literally means to “be wineless.” That means that you and I are to be free from the intoxicating powers of alcohol or the influence of any drug or narcotic.
You see, alcohol and drugs have a negative effect on the human mind. When they are allowed to gain control of the mind, they weaken your judgment and lower your standards. And if your standards become lowered, your faith can be easily compromised.
God needs our minds to be prepared and alert so that we can serve him with our focused attention. Because unholy things that gain control of your thought life will weaken and distort your judgment.
There is another definition of “sober-minded” that has a broader application to your life and mine. It means to eliminate things that are harmful from our lives.
Are there things that are robbing you of a sober mind? Do you have thoughts that distort your thinking and that put your judgment at risk? If you answered yes then it’s time to get “sober-minded.” And the best way to do this is by letting God and his Word guide you.
GOD NEEDS OUR MINDS TO BE PREPARED AND ALERT SO THAT WE CAN SERVE HIM WITH OUR FOCUSED ATTENTION.
