“Do not sleepwalk through life.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 11, 2025
So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 1 Thessalonians 5:6, NIV
I don’t know much about hockey, so when watching ESPN recently, I was fascinated by a clip that highlighted the role of the “stick man.” This person watches the entire game with backup sticks for every player on the ice within arm’s reach. He then carefully tracks the action on the ice, touching the stick of whoever has control of the puck at any given moment. Why? So if their stick breaks, he can immediately offer a replacement, ensuring the player doesn’t miss a beat.
The more I’ve thought about it, the more I want to approach the spiritual life with the posture of the stick man. By default, it is so easy to sit on our heels spiritually, taking an essentially reactive posture toward life. When this is the case, we are so easily blindsided, especially by heartache and misfortune.
Do not sleepwalk through life. I want to take St. Paul’s words to heart and be awake and sober. Think of how the stick man is attentive to every movement of the game, even if he isn’t needed for extended stretches. It doesn’t matter. He’s ready, whether he’s called upon or not. You and I should have the same posture!
I’m not sure when or how the Lord may need me in the future, but I want to be ready. If he one day needs a humble and integrity-filled leader, I can’t become that overnight. It requires years of prayerful dependence and intentional surrender. If he needs you to serve on the mission field in a distant land, it must begin by being attentive daily to the needs of your neighbor right where you live.
Inspiration often comes from the most unlikely of sources. For me this week, it was the stick man. Let us take his attentive example to heart and apply this principle to every area of our lives!
Prayer
Father, keep us awake and sober-minded, ready and waiting for whatever may come and wherever you may call us, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Application
Consider what your life should look like today in order to be prepared for whatever comes tomorrow.
Related Reading
Mark 13:33; Colossians 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8
Worship Resource
Passion, Kristian Stanfill: Even So Come (Live)
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