The Benefits of Sobriety
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
by David Rollert
We often talk about the dangers of intoxication. However, for the person who is struggling with substance use, they may feel that there is no benefit to coming off the substances. Many people who resort to substance use do so because they are trying to escape the painful realities of their life. For that person, being sober is scarier than the inability to think straight when intoxicated.
With that in mind, let's examine some of the benefits of sobriety.
One of the primary benefits to being sober is the ability to recognize and avoid danger. 1 Peter 5:8 states, ”Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” There are a few layers to recognizing and avoiding danger. First, you must be clear-minded enough to think, learn, and reason. Second, you must learn what dangers look like and how to avoid them. Third, you need the humility to admit that you need to avoid the dangers. When you are habitually sober and have learned what to look out for, avoiding danger becomes almost second-nature.
Another major benefit of sobriety is better communication. Ephesians 4:29 teaches us, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Interpersonal relationships are difficult at times. Even when you are sober, it is easy to unintentionally say or do something that insults or hurts others. Intoxication greatly increases the likelihood that we will hurt others. Sobriety affords us the clarity to think through what we are going to say, to consider the impact our words will have, and choose the best wording. Once again, this takes training, practice, and humility. But, when you are sober you have the mental faculties to develop this skill.
A third benefit of sobriety is the ability to work diligently. In Colossians 3:23-24 Paul says, “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.” Diligent work is necessary in every part of life. You need diligence to make money, to keep house, to gain an education, to build relationships, and so much more. Once again diligent work takes training, practice, and humility. Sobriety allows you the mental clarity to do all your work as unto the Lord, and to be a good steward of the time you have. Those who are habitually sober are more likely to succeed at whatever endeavors they choose to pursue.
The benefits of sobriety far outweigh the negative effects of intoxication. In your own life, spend time thinking about the benefits of sobriety.
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