[600 words]
The Bible says Christians are to be sober. We must “be sober” if we are to face our adversary the devil (1 Pet. 5:8). Young and old and men and women alike must “live soberly” in this sinful world (Titus 2:1-12). Like many other virtues we read in the New Testament, this word involves far more than we sometimes realize.
Being sober includes not being under the influence of alcohol and other drugs which impair thinking. A man who drinks clouds his mind. How much he loses his ability to think clearly and control himself depends on how much he drinks, but the effect is there regardless of the degree. A Christian has to stay sharp and alert. It is hard enough to stay focused as it is. Why would a child of God want to drink and lose the vigilance we so desperately need? A child of God cannot afford to lose this inner strength.
This word also includes being sober in a spiritual sense. That is why it is translated “sober minded” in Titus 2:6. Christians are not to be drunk spiritually. We are to think clearly about right and wrong. We should not be fuzzy in our thinking about what is most important. Our minds should not be clouded by the cares and temptations of the world. Instead of living under the influence of the world, we need to be in control of what we think, say, and do.
Are you sober or drunk in a spiritual sense? As we travel the narrow road that leads to eternal life, we need to stop at sobriety checkpoints given by the Scriptures.
Are you thinking clearly when you hold a grudge? Jesus warned about being angry with a brother without a cause (Matt. 5:22). Harboring ill will clouds your thinking. King Saul was so determined to destroy David that he couldn’t see what he was doing to himself and everyone around him.
Is a Christian thinking soberly when he falls in love with someone he has no right to have? These feelings are so strong they can be intoxicating. Trying to reason with someone obsessed with this desire is like trying to talk to a drunk or crazy person.
Are church members thinking clearly when they would rather be at ballgames than at the worship services of the church? Which is most important? How would Jesus want us to answer? Sadly, many in the church will say the right thing, but in their actions they are swerving all over the road.
Is a brother sober minded when he compromises the truth for his family? Natural affection is so strong that it can distort our thinking. When Jesus says to love Him more than anyone else (Luke 14:26; Matt. 10:34-37), we need to be crystal clear in believing what he said.
Are we thinking clearly when we enjoy making, spending, and saving money more than we enjoy serving God? Remember that how you look at money affects how you look at everything else (Matt. 6:22-23). Jesus said that riches are deceptive (Matt. 13:22). Don’t fool yourself. Like a man who loves his bottle, you may say you’re in control when you’re not.
Sometimes people say, “I need to get away for a while and clear my head.” Christians have to clear their minds as well. At times we get too busy. We let too much of the world into our hearts. We drift away from the throne of God and the Word. Sometimes we need to sober up spiritually.
Kerry Duke
West End church of Christ
Livingston, TN