“Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).

Not being from around this area leaves one to guess at certain things, but it would probably be safe to say that Azle has an anniversary marking the date of her arrival to the list of cities in Texas. No doubt this celebration calls the citizens to take part in a massive clean up to get the city to look her best for visitors. But what about the preparation we need for our citizenship in heaven? Are we putting forth the same effort to make sure our hearts are cleaned up? Have we begun the clean up procedure needed to remove sin from our soil stained souls? These are questions raging through the minds of the faithful.

God’s calling to the Christian life is a call to action. Peter reminds us not to be sleepwalkers in our faith. We must stay alert and always be prepared for action. God has shown us how to prepare our souls through forgiveness of sin (Acts 2:38). You are called to make preparation by allowing God to wash away our sin, but you are also instructed to also, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). God cleanses us to prepare us for battle.

Also, part of our preparation is to keep sober in spirit by studying God’s word (2 Timothy 2:15). The Greek word for “keep sober,” gives reference to being drunk and not being in control of our faculties. We need to know God’s word so we won’t be led astray. To remain sober in the physical sense one must refrain the intake of intoxicating beverages. As Christians, our spiritual sobriety is found in our willingness to refrain from the intake of the world’s philosophies and misinterpretations of God’s word, so that we will not be intoxicated by the ignorance of false teachings.

Make preparation in Azle for the celebration of your life in eternity. Study God’s word and set your hope in the promise of purity and cleanliness that comes from the application of truth. Stay free from the stains of worldly desires and know for sure that your life is eternal in Christ Jesus. Stay dedicated to the “upward call in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14) by not letting your guard down when it comes to your spiritual walk. Stay focused on the mission God has assigned His faithful children and do not let the world lull you to sleep through the foolishness of misunderstanding God’s will (Ephesians 5:17).

–Cub Orcutt

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