That is an illustration of conversion. The believer has been educated by the word into the great principles of life instead of blindly following his appetites. Life can only be properly ruled by a mind which is spiritually educated. We have come to know Christ; now see and follow him, we have the faculty of prayer, and we serve him. What a difference! These words are not meant not to offend but to persuade us of our need.
What is life and who should we live it for? Is it just for us; just a pleasure trip? How do we organize the different aspects of life that are under our control? How do we use our minds, our strength, our will; how do we employ whatever natural gifts we have been given? Are they simply used to get more sensual gratification, to bring glory to ourselves as we seek the praise of man? Or do we serve God with our various capacities and use them in a sober way? We may do well in our career: do we immediately use any increased income we have to buy more possessions, add extensions to our property, upgrade our car? Our life is like a vulnerable country. Do we defend its borders from attackers, from the attacks of sin which comes to destroy us?