It Matters What You Think
Our thoughts have the power to determine our choices and shape our inner life, and by setting our affections on things above, we can trust in the Lord and find true happiness.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the profound connection between our thoughts and will, illustrating that while our thoughts influence our choices, our will can also direct our thoughts towards holiness. He references Philippians 4:8 to highlight the command to focus on virtuous and praiseworthy things, suggesting that we have the power to choose our meditations, which ultimately shapes our inner lives towards righteousness. Tozer argues that prioritizing godly thoughts and a commitment to God's will is more crucial than fluctuating spiritual feelings. He encourages believers to actively set their affections on heavenly matters, assuring that God will guide their paths. The true measure of a faithful person is one whose heart is steadfastly trusting in the Lord.
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It is something of a happy paradox that while the thoughts deeply affect the will and go far to determine its choices, the will on the other hand has the power to control the thoughts. A will firmly engaged with God can swing the intellectual powers around to think on holy things.
Were it not so, Pauls words to the Philippians would be psychologically untenable: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).
Since we are here commanded to think on certain things it follows that we can command our thoughts; and if we can pick the objects upon which to meditate we can in the end sway our whole inner life in the direction of righteousness. It is much more important that we think godly thoughts and will to do Gods will than that we feel spiritual.
Religious feelings may and do vary so greatly from person to person, or even in the same person they may vary so widely from one time to the next, that it is never safe to trust them. Let us by a determined act of faith set our affections on things above and God will see to the rest. The safest, and after a while the happiest, man is the one who can say, My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
Sermon Outline
- The Power of Thoughts
- Thoughts affect the will and determine choices
- The will can control thoughts with God's help
Key Quotes
“A will firmly engaged with God can swing the intellectual powers around to think on holy things.” — A.W. Tozer
“Let us by a determined act of faith set our affections on things above and God will see to the rest.” — A.W. Tozer
“The safest, and after a while the happiest, man is the one who can say, My heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We have the power to choose what we think about and can command our thoughts with God's help.
- Faith is more important than feelings, and we should focus on thinking godly thoughts rather than relying on emotions.
- By setting our affections on things above, we can trust in the Lord and find true happiness.