Sober Up!
We simply cannot make good choices "intoxicated" by fear, or worry, or anger, or lust. Orthodoxy offers me a sober way of living that unlocks the wisdom to live free from all the passions.
American golf pro Tiger Woods once said, “Sensationalism sells; don’t let the facts get in the way of a good story.” It seems our modern age is awash in “storytelling” and narrative, all too often at the expense of a sober look at the reality of the situation.
But sensationalism does sell. Humans seem easily manipulated by the emotional candy and experiential “sugar rush” of easy answers and conspiracy theories.
The Faith calls me to a more sober mind and heart.
The Faith invites me to see reality rather than the delusion of prideful jumping to conclusions.
The Faith empowers me to develop a discerning heart so that I can see when the darkness of narcissism is attempting to make me a slave to my passions!
This is especially true of my perspective on God and His Church and all the theology given to me through Jesus Christ! This treasure of Faith is of more value to me than anything or anyone else! Because this wisdom unlocks the true meaning of my life and how my life is meant to be lived with all I love.
Look at our lesson today in 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12; 2:1-2:
Brethren, our testimony to you was believed. To this end, we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his call and may fulfill every good resolve and work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling to meet him, we beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter purporting to be from us to the effect that the day of Christ has come.
St. Paul had to write the Church in Thessaloniki for the second time because of some sensational claims others had been making about the Parousia, the Second Coming of Christ. By the way, Thessaloniki is one of my favorite places in Greece. If you get the chance to go there, do it!
This vibrant group of Orthodox Christians in this beautiful northern Greek area was experiencing what we often experience today.
They were so gripped by gossip and speculation that all this chaos distracted them from the central wisdom of the Faith. Of course, that’s the plan of the evil one to keep us intoxicated by fear, anger, or even elation.
This slavery to undisciplined passions has real and damaging consequences for our everyday lives and relationships.
Some people said the Lord had already returned, and those still alive had missed it! Then others proclaimed that the Lord would return any day now, and we should all stop everything and wait on Him.
St. Paul had to write and admonish these precious believers, saying, “We beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word.” In other words, Sober Up!
The whole of the Orthodox Faith is designed by the God Who loves us to form a sober internal life SO THAT we are not captured by the undisciplined passions that intoxicate us and hinder us in discerning the godly path of life.
All of the Faith is meant to keep us from being “shaken” in mind and soul by the temporary events that threaten to distract us from keeping our focus and confidence in Jesus Christ and His loving guidance. The Holy Spirit designs the whole Orthodox Way of Living to form such a character of peace within you that you can see the best choices, the best path, and the most loving actions that share God’s grace with everyone around you!
The vision of this kind of daily living should motivate you to practice the Faith daily!
The Faith insists that my focus is on Christ and that focused attentiveness builds within me the ability to be undisturbed by this or that false teaching or disappointing event.
The purposeful attentiveness that I have to practice and cultivate in my life sets me free from falling into despair or even elation and being trapped in either delusion.
The sober and focused life of the Orthodox Way gives you the ability to have a sharp perception of the true nature of a moment, person, or even my own heart and intentions. This singular focus on Jesus Christ puts every aspect of my life, internally and externally, in proper perspective. In other words, a life without panic, fear, or knee-jerk reactions! Grant this, O Lord!
St. Menas and his scribe, St. Eugraphos, were sent by the Roman Emperor to quell a social disturbance in Alexandria. St. Menas was a well-educated military officer and had the gift of eloquence. Emperor Maximus was convinced Menas could restore peace in this vital city. St. Menas and his scribe obeyed the Emperor’s direction and did, indeed, regain peace. St. Menas used his gifted oratory to bring the dispute to an end. However, St. Menas and his scribe were also deeply devout Christians, so St. Menas used his gift to strengthen the believers in Alexandria. When Emperor Maximus heard this, he was furious and sent a brilliant man named Hermogenes, an eparch born to pagan parents, to turn Menas from Christ. But Hermogenes, instead, was converted to Christ by the saintly soldier. The Emperor had all three martyred for the Faith in 235.
So, today, as we again prepare to celebrate the Nativity, when chaos seems to be the norm and disputes, anger, and tribalism seem to prevail, your life and mine desperately need this sober mindset that offers peace and stability all around me. This is the natural result of living a Normal Orthodox life!
P.S. Since they had slain through their abstinence and struggles the fiery ragings and fierce motions of the passions, the staunch Martyrs of Christ God laid hold on the graces to drive off the pains and illnesses of the sick and work wonders both while living and after death. Strange indeed is the miracle! That these bare bones should pour forth such overflowing streams of cures. Glory be to our only God.
Fr. Barnabas Powell is the parish priest at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Cumming, GA. He is also the founder of Faith Encouraged Ministries and produces the Faith Encouraged Daily Devotional on Substack. Watch the Faith Encouraged YouTube Channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@FaithEncouragedTV
