Frazzled or Focused?

Been so busy that it caused your mind to be frazzled instead of focused? Ironically, I was there on Sunday. It is funny how things can sometimes work out like that. It was a lesson for me, one I need often. How about you, can you relate?

The times that you were "frazzled" was it because of something you could have prevented? Late for something; could you have left earlier? Weak faith; could you have asked someone for help or to pray for you? Behind on a project; could you have started sooner? Job stress; could you have given it to God? Marriage problems; could you have talked it out? It seems that for just about every "frazzle" moment, there was a point prior that you could have done something to prevent or, at least, lessen the effect it had on your focus. Sunday, we looked at I Peter 1:13 and the phrase "sober minded". See if you've been getting a little "tipsy" with any of these situations...

1. Taking the "drink" of self-righteousness can cause us to become very intoxicated. We become like the Pharisees and cannot see the error in our ways. If it is pointed out by others, we become defensive, much like a drunkard. "I'm not drunk" the drunkard says as he staggers about. The same goes for the those who like to point out the sins/errors and will not acknowledge their own. If you are prone to "put down" before you "praise", you may want to think about sobering up.
   
2. Shooting up with sulk, lately? Felt like everyone's been against you? Doesn't someone "owe" you? Surely if someone doesn't see things your way, they've got to be wrong. Sulking allows Satan to be invited in to your mind. You start thinking that life would be better "if...". You may become short with others. Sometimes taking things out on others when the real problem is what you are "shooting up" with. If you have been shooting up lately, you may want to think about sobering up.
   
3. Been taking too many whiffs of uncertainty to cause you to wobble in your faith? Has it caused you to lose your focus from seeking Him first? Have you kept your composure when someone wronged you? Have you told someone something about the "good news" or been too afraid? Have you had doubts about any part of your faith? Have you been "working" to make sure your salvation is secure instead of appreciating grace? If you have been inhaling these uncertainties, then you are likely wobbling. If you're faith is not giving you a steady step, you may want to think about getting some "fresh" air and sobering up.
   

We operate much better on a clear mind; resulting in better decision making abilities. We must make decisions all the time, regarding our spiritual walk. What do you need to do to sober up or stay sober? I hope any state of "drunkenness" you are/have been experiencing will not keep you from being/becoming "sober". God needs you to be clear headed to be able to have a firm faith and resist the temptations to "drink" that may come our way!

Striving to stay focused...