"Clear Minds"

Sometimes we need to think about our thinking. That sounds a little strange but it it true. Whatever was happening in the days of Peter, we don't know exactly what they were, these words were penned for us: "The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer." (I Pet. 4:7) I have my own idea of what I think that the end is near means but it's just my idea and serves no purpose here. What I want us to focus on is sound judgment and sober spirit.

The two terms work together. We are being told that we need to think about our thinking! These two terms are used after speaking about drinking, sensuality, desires (lusts) and abominable idolatries (v.3). Intoxication, whether by alcohol or drugs physically hinder our thinking. Our desires (lusts) and sensuality and the abominable idolatries also affect our thinking and judgments without outside help from drugs or alcohol. Lusts, sensual ideas and idolatries stir the desires of the mind where one cannot think clearly to what they are pursuing.

With all the recent tornadoes and weather issues, when we see the news flash or hear on the radio, our minds stop to listen and take in the news. Our desire to focus and listen is heightened! Details become important and our mind latches on to each one of them. We want quiet as we listen because we are mentally alert.

We do this with news that shocks us but when it comes to the things of God, our alertness seems to be missing. People sit in the assembly to worship but the mind sometimes is not at all engaged, hanging on the every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Finger nails are clipped or cleaned. Gum, where's the gum? Looking around to see who is here and our minds are just what they are...not sound judgment  and  sober spirit. Too many are making poor choices in their daily lives because the mind is not set. It is muddled with the concerns of the world and daily living. There is little focus and clarity. When was the last time you could say that your mind was prepared and set for the purpose of prayer? Too many minds are muddled by chemicals, distractions of daily living, lusts, passions and desires. It is difficult to be transformed as long as we continue to conform (Rom. 12:2). In fact, God cannot transform you because we think like the world around us.