Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”     1 Peter 1:13-16 NKJV

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  1 Peter 5:8 NKJV

Today is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday. It is known as a time of debauchery prior to Ash Wednesday. It’s a time to feast on rich, fatty foods before lent. It is definitely a time when many people in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama are not sober.

There are varied opinions about drinking alcohol among Christians. The Bible says we are not to become drunk so many argue that it’s okay to drink as long as you don’t become drunk. Some can drink one drink while others can’t.

In these two verses when Peter mentions being sober, he is referring to staying focused on God and not allowing the lusts of this world to distract us from our purpose here. Our purpose on this planet is to love the Lord with all our heart, all our soul, and all our minds and to lead others to Christ.

Just the other night as I brought a friend home, we got off the interstate because of all the traffic and honestly some of the drivers seemed to be either distracted or impaired.

When we are not sober, we are impaired or intoxicated. We can be intoxicated on fleshly desires. We can be intoxicated by money. We can be intoxicated by many different things.

I used to be one of those Christians who thought that a drink or two did no harm until my Sunday School teacher mentioned what it does to our witness. I then prayed to God about my one or two drinks I liked to have per week. Up until that point, alcohol had never trigged a migraine. That night I had my usual drink with my meal at a local restaurant. It gave me a terrible migraine. I had my answer. I have stayed away from alcohol since that time, and I haven’t missed it.

I’ve come to realize when we step out for Christ and we try to lead others to Him, we are closely watched. People are watching to see if we will fall, and they are watching to gauge what is appropriate behavior and what is inappropriate behavior. You may be able to have that one drink and move on, but many can’t. If they see you do this, and they drink till they are intoxicated it’s not good.

I also watch a lot of true crime shows and documentaries. You would be amazed at how many murders start with someone being in a bar.

I’m not telling you these things to put a damper on your fun. I’m telling you these things because I believe our days are short. I believe we must be ready. In order to be ready, I believe we must be sober.

When we choose to be sober as Peter tells us to do, we are putting off anything that hinders our focus on God. We are removing any obstacles.

Peter begins our first Scripture passage by saying, “Gird up the loins of your mind.” In biblical times men wore long tunics. They would tie them up around their waists when they needed to hurry. Peter is telling us to keep our minds ready and focused. Don’t be distracted by the desires of this world. We are only passing through here.

Prepare yourself for eternity. Focus on God and remove any and all distractions or hindrances. Be sober and be alert. When we let our guard down, it makes it much easier for the devil to influence us. And we know all kinds of bad things can come when that happens.

Have a great day!