Leadership, as I've mentioned before, is not about power, position, or politics - at least not in God's Church. Jesus is the head of the Church. We all work directly for Him. All authority has been given to Him. So leadership is about something else. It's about walking with God and helping others do the same. All the topics in this series help us lead ourselves and then lead others.
Heavy drinking or drunkenness is not about alcohol. It's about self-control. I've watched people close to me do some of the worst things because they were drunk. They drive dangerously. They hurt themselves and others around them. These are things they would have never done sober, but they did them because they were drunk. Would you really accept an invitation to Church from someone like that? Would you go to a church were they were a leader? Would you really want to follow their example?
In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers... (1 Timothy 3:8 NLT)
Elders and deacons are both supposed to be sober-minded. A sober mind doesn't mean boring. A sober mind can have fun. A sober mind can be an enjoyable person to be around. Sober minds simply have the self-control to stop "bad boxes" (bad thoughts) before they come out in their words and actions.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. (1 Peter 4:7 NIV)
All of us are supposed to be sober-minded, too. It's not just for leaders. The condition of our minds directly affects our walk together with God. It sets the stage for our relationship with God, loving Him with heart, mind, soul and strength. It sets the stage for our relationships with people as well, loving neighbor as ourselves. A sober mind creates an environment for good, healthy relationships with everyone.
How about you? Do you see how drunkenness affects relationships? Do you see how a sober mind can help? Do you maintain a sober mind?
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