Sober-minded?

We have a few Christian friends that we affectionately term ‘goofy’ because they laugh and giggle more than most. However, they can be serious. Just as the Bible tells us, there is a time to consider weighty or important matters with critical thought.

“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. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13–16)

Tozer points out that this is not being a sour puss or going around looking like the world has ended. The fruit of the Spirit includes joy — but He never makes me silly. That is a ‘passion of my former ignorance’ and often a way of escaping serious thought. Some things are too much for me and I try to alleviate the pain of them by laughing.

In these verses, the term ‘sober-minded’ is a Greek word meaning to have self-control that curbs the controlling influence of inordinate emotions or desires. It means being reasonable and rational. It could also refer to sobering up from the influence of alcohol but is not used that way in the New Testament. However, that is a good way to illustrate it.

I like what Tozer says. The Holy Spirit will make me warm-hearted and responsive but never cause me to do things of which I will be ashamed later. Also, these verses do not promote a cold, lifeless and formal spirituality. He was writing to a persecuted church and telling them, “If ever there was an hour when we needed to be serious about our Christian faith, this is the hour!”

Are we in that same situation today? Yes, in some parts of the world, but not in others. In North America, there are laws to protect Christians from persecution, yet the writing on the wall indicates that our freedom to worship is in danger. Perhaps this is a time to be sober-minded, to think about our faith and our situation, not that we can avoid what others might do to us, but to consider what Jesus meant when He said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, I am aware of the dangers of being Your child in this world. Some of Your people live daily under threats of death, imprisonment, beatings, and losses. Life is good here, yet that cannot be my delight and source of joy. It must always depend on You and on the Holy Spirit who continually wants to fill me with Himself and put songs of joy in my heart. May He also be doing that for others whose situations make them far more sober-minded than I am. Comfort and encourage, giving Your unique peace to anyone who is under attack simply because they trust You.