Why So Much Soul-Suck?

Why is there so much anxiety and soul-suck in the world? 

Because there is too little sober-mindedness.

The adjective in the New Testament (νηφαλίους) relates to a verb (νήφω) for not being drunk, for avoiding excess. 

The ESV uses “sober-minded” and the NASB translates it as “temperate.” It’s connected to self-control (σώφρονας), sure, but both words are found in Titus 2:2, and they are not mere synonyms. 

To be temperate is to be moderate, but moderate in two directions. The sober-minded man must not be extreme in addiction to wine but also not be extreme in anxiety about wine.

So: not addicted to or anxious about. 

Is he so fearful that he has to make up extra rules? Or is he consumed with wanting more than his share so that he loses clarity and respect, if not actually making a fool of himself? 

Does he know what things are good, and what things are good for, and how to use/enjoy them for good?

Wine/alcohol is not the only setting to consider on the table of a man’s life, so to speak, but it is actually a decent tell about how a man handles good things.

As it relates to Leadership and Differentiation, there are also two directions. He must be present to challenge and yet not co-dependent or reactive, neither aloof or entangled. He knows where he wants to go, he takes steps in that direction, and yet not so far away that none can follow.

Sober-mindedness protects a man, and those he leads, from soul-suck.