‘For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. ‘ Romans 8:5-8
I came across a quote, attributed to A.W. Tozer, the other day. It stated, ” Somebody is going to control your mind. Who is it going to be? Is it going to be the advertiser? Is it going to be the public school? Is it going to be the media? Or is it going to be God? You have yo make up your mind on that, My Friend. Whether you want to or not, somebody is going to control your mind; who is it going to be?” This comes from Mr. Tozer’s book, The Dangers of a Shallow Faith. I have read some of Tozer’s books, however this is not one of them. Though, it will definitely be added to my read list. This particular quote captured my attention, gave me pause and I have been pondering on it for the past few days. Tozer wrote during the first half of the 20th century, but it was interesting how true these words ring today.
I feel very convicted by this, because so often I find my thoughts and opinions being directed and steered, not by the Spirit, but by circumstance, the media, other people… frankly the world. I had to ask myself, how many times throughout the day do I seek counsel with God to address a current moment in time? Sadly, I have to answer, “less often than I do”. I would find it very hard to believe, given the intensely selfish, distracted, materialistic society we find ourselves living in, that very many could answer differently.
We live in an age and society where even those that appear to have a deeply rooted faith in Christ, have very little time for Him nor do they seek to have Him in the forefront of their mind and directing their thought process. I found another exert from him, that sums up the modern church, most especially the church in the US and it should rock you, because it is true.
“A generation of Christians reared among push buttons and automatic machines is impatient of slower and less direct methods of reaching their goals. We have been trying to apply machine-age methods to our relations with God. We read our chapter, have our short devotions, and rush away, hoping to make up for our deep inward bankruptcy by attending another gospel meeting or listening to another thrilling story told by a religious adventurer lately returned from afar.
The tragic results of this spirit are all about us . . .
shallow lives,
hollow religious philosophies,
the preponderance of the element of fun in gospel meetings,
the glorification of men,
trust in religious externalities,
quasi-religious fellowships,
salesmanship methods,
the mistaking of dynamic personality for the power of the Spirit.
These and such as these are the symptoms of an evil disease, a deep and serious malady of the soul.”
— A W Tozer
If we are to be worthy of our calling that Christ has determined for our life, to be effective in the spiritual battle waging ceaselessly about us, we MUST fix our mindset. We must pursue God with a fully kindled vigor. We must make the “somebody” who is controlling our mind, God! Have a blessed weekend.
‘For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. ‘ 2 Corinthians 10:3-6
In full pursuit of the greatest Trophy
