Sober-minded
Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works, in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, (Titus 2:6-7).
Three time in Titus and five times in other epistles, we are told that we need to be sober in our thinking and our living (Titus 2:2, 6, 12; Rom. 12:3; 1Thess. 5:6, 8; 1Tim. 3:2; 1Pet. 1:13).
Paul is not the only biblical writer to exhort Christians to guard their minds and habits. Peter also provides a compelling visual image of what it means to be sober-minded when he tells his readers “Gird up the loins of your mind” (1Pet. 1:13). In biblical times, men wore long, flowing robes. When they needed to get some place quickly, they had to pull up (“gird”) their robes to avoid tripping over them.
When Paul encourages Titus to exhort the young men to be sober-minded, he is exhorting them to pay urgent attention to how they live, removing any pattern of thought or behavior that could trip them up or hinder their progress in the faith.
But such counsel is not just for young men. It is required of pastors and older men and young women. In fact, it is required of all of us, no matter our age, gender, or position, who have experienced the grace of God (Titus 2:12).
The foremost instruction to us all is to be sober-minded (self-controlled). Such Spirit-empowered self-restraint enables us Christians to resist impulsive behavior and their natural appetites.
Consider this:
- Are you sober-minded?
- Do you pay attention to how you live your life?
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are my God. Help me to be sober-minded and live my life to please You. Amen!
Read: Titus 2:1-15
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