Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober. (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
I am amused when I hear individuals discuss the sleeping habits of their loved ones. It seems that we are all different. In the passage above, Paul is telling the Church at Thessalonica that they should be alert and aware. They should not be unconscious to the fact that the day of the Lord would be coming as a thief in the night. Paul is not speaking of actual sleep as we usually interpret it (with eyes closed in our beds at night). Rather he is saying that we can be walking, talking, and doing work, but still be sleep. If we are sleeping we will be caught by surprise. We must keep awake!
Please indulge me as I metaphorically characterize differences that people may exhibit while sleeping:
1. The Snorer - makes a lot of noise, without saying anything.
2. The Kick boxer- hard to get close to because he is always kicking someone.
3. The Open Mouth sleeper - receptive to anything (even passing flies)
4. The Sleep Walker - always in a hurry to move but doesn't know where he is going.
5. The Rock Sleeper- stubborn, nothing moves him.
6. The Dreamer - visualizes things unrealistically.
7. The Talker-runs his mouth without knowing what he is talking about.
8. The Light Sleeper- worries all of the time, therefore can't have a peaceful rest.
9. The Tosser and Turner-never knows which side to be on.
We certainly don't want to be caught sleeping when the day of the Lord comes.
The secret to a Christian staying awake, is to keep his/her eyes on Jesus. Wake up to His love. Wake up to His Salvation. Wake up to His mercy. Wake up to the knowledge that Jesus is coming back.
Therefore let us not sleep as others do. But KEEP AWAKE!
