Sober-minded

1 Peter 5:8-9
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.

I think I’ve forgotten what people are like when they are not sober, by that I mean drunk. Drunk not on life, but intoxicated on alcohol. I recently came across some drunks, (not by choice of course! But God happened to place me there!)
And all I can say is, wow, what a life they have.
When drunk, or not sober, you really don’t have boundaries. Or a sense of good or bad. Really. Your mind is totally skewed, so much so that your thoughts are incredibly irrational.

[no wonder why people shouldn’t drink and drive!]

But that’s besides the point.

My point is, even in the bible it says we must be sober-minded. To not be drunk so much so we lose our senses. Be watchful, or in some other bible versions, it says to be vigilant. To stay awake and to never be caught off guard. How do you expect to be awake and to not be caught off guard if you’re fast asleep because your senses are switched off due to being drunk??

The next part, is a warning. I don’t know about you, but sure we never get in much contact with lions, as a normal person. But if you’re like me and you’re scared of dogs--it’s a scary thought. Fine, dogs don’t eat you up [but they do bite!] I’m thinking those that are trained to be dog-fighters can really attack!
Or how about snakes that do eat you alive. Or crocodiles. ok. imagination running wild. But we’re talking serious animals that will devour you. To sum, we need to be careful!

It says to resist him and to be firm in your faith and to know that we’re not the only ones suffering--as others are too. How encouraging is that thought! Because actually when we are suffering we seem to wallow in self-pity. But it all seems much better when you know you’re not the only one having a pity party. After all, misery loves company!

But yeh, all this can be done by being watchful, on your guard, being firm in faith [i.e. trusting in God, that He will help!] And being sober-minded-so you can at least walk in a straight line.

In times of suffering we don’t have to turn to drink to make it seem easier.
In times of suffering we need to know that others do understand.
And in times of suffering, we need to remember that it’s times like these that we need to be firm in our faith and know that God rules.
Easier said than done. But it’s a great reminder. Right?