“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober…” (1 Peter 1:13).
Part Two
In the original Greek text this word translated sober is nepho (nay’-fo). It is usually interpreted as meaning “to abstain from alcoholic beverages.” So this phrase could be translated “stay sober.”
Nepho also has a connotation of watchfulness. Just as sleep is the usual companion of drunkenness, so vigilance is one evidence of sobriety. To tell a person to stay sober is the same as telling him to remain wide awake and on the alert.
Christians need to preserve a healthy balance between physical, mental and spiritual activity. Just as it is possible to become drunk from overindulgence in what goes into the stomach, so it is also possible to become drunk from overindulgence in what is allowed into the mind and spirit. It is very easy to become intoxicated and carried away by the latest psychological, philosophical, or theological fad, fashion, or craze.
I like one writer’s version of this verse: “Brace up your minds, then keep cool.” Another renders this last phrase: “Keep full mastery of your senses.” A third defines sobriety as: “A complete clarity of mind and its resulting good judgement.”
In day-to-day life I see a contrast between believers and non-believers-so many of whom seem frivolous, superficial, and shallow. Those caught up in the world system seem to be always giddy and partying.
The Christian marches to a different drumbeat. He knows he is a soldier with a job to do. His joy is eternal; his song internal. His happiness comes from winning battles, not emptying bottles. Most of all he is wide awake and obedient to his marching orders: “Take the high ground!”
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.