Sober in Mind

So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. ~ 1 Thess. 5:6


Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. ~ 1 Peter 1:13


Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ~ 1 Peter 5:8

I have read these verses for as long as I can remember and pondered, "What does it mean to truly be sober in mind?" One way I see it is, from a spiritual sense, when we are sober in mind, our minds are alert and aware of the things of God. We are not under the influence of the things of this world and do not allow those things to affect the way we think, the way we act, or the way we talk... even if it is just in small, subtle matters. When we are sober, we do not allow those things to have influence over us because we do not want to give the enemy an open door. We ensure that we are able to think clearly and discern the voice of God... without any other influences.

It is the subtle, seemingly innocent things in life that make this an extremely difficult challenge...