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. 1 Peter 1:13, ESV

Have you ever tried to reason with someone who is drunk? You probably didn't get very far. Trying to persuade them of the wisest course of action is like trying to herd cats while riding a unicycle. Yet I wonder how many of us are ‘drunk’ on the things of this world. We want some things so badly, that we have become unreasonable, blind to logic, and rash. And like the inebriated person who wants to drive home, we can even act in ways that are deadly—not just to ourselves but to others also.

1 Peter 1:13 teaches us that to be sober-minded, we must set our hope fully on the grace that will be brought to us when Jesus is revealed. See, when we blindly put our hope in earthly things, we are not being sober-minded. We are irrationally ignoring all the ways created things will fail our expectations, and allowing our imaginations a few more pints of impossible fantasy. Those fantasies often include good things that have taken top priority in our imagination such as relationships, success, or possessions. We must actively set our mind on the promises of full joy and satisfaction that will be ours when we finally see Him--only then will we be able to discern reality. 

Church, its time to sober up.

Father, show me the ways that I have put too much hope in created things, rather than the arrival of the Creator, Jesus Christ; and help me to meditate on His superiority over all things in a way that captivates my affections.

Take Action

As the Lord shows you those things that have risen to high in your affections, start by praying through Colossians 1:15-20, stating out loud the ways that He is better than whatever is taking the highest place in your heart. Seek the Lord and wise counsel for further steps. If you would like to connect with an online coach, you may request one here.

Resource: Desiring God by John Piper

Treasure contines tomorrow. Join us Monday at 7pm EST in the discussion room at Power to Change.