The Habit of Holy Thought
The habit of holy thought is developed through surrendering to God and training our thoughts through prayer, ultimately shaping who we are and our spiritual condition.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of our thoughts in shaping our spiritual condition, urging believers to examine their voluntary thoughts to understand their true selves. He illustrates the importance of surrendering our minds to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts towards holiness. Tozer encourages the practice of mental prayer as a means to cultivate a habit of holy thought, suggesting that consistent communication with God can transform our thinking. He highlights the struggle many face with their thought life and calls for divine intervention to help develop a mindset aligned with God's will.
Text
Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. --2 Corinthians 10:5
What we think about when we are free to think about what we will-- that is what we are or will soon become....
Anyone who wishes to check on his true spiritual condition may do so by noting what his voluntary thoughts have been over the last hours or days. What has he thought about when free to think of what he pleased? Toward what has his inner heart turned when it was free to turn where it would? When the bird of thought was let go did it fly out like the raven to settle upon floating carcasses or did it like the dove circle and return again to the ark of God? Such a test is easy to run, and if we are honest with ourselves we can discover not only what we are but what we are going to become. We'll soon be the sum of our voluntary thoughts....
The best way to control our thoughts is to offer the mind to God in complete surrender. The Holy Spirit will accept it and take control of it immediately. Then it will be relatively easy to think on spiritual things, especially if we train our thought by long periods of daily prayer. Long practice in the art of mental prayer (that is, talking to God inwardly as we work or travel) will help to form the habit of holy thought. Born After Midnight, 44,46-47.
"Oh, Lord, You know the constant struggle so many of us have with our thought life. You know how often our thoughts do indeed settle on rotten carcasses. Take control of my thoughts today, and move me along in the development of the habit of holy thought. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Thought Life
- Controlling Our Thoughts
- Developing the Habit of Holy Thought
- Through long periods of daily prayer
- Through mental prayer and training our thoughts
Key Quotes
“What we think about when we are free to think about what we will-- that is what we are or will soon become....” — A.W. Tozer
“We'll soon be the sum of our voluntary thoughts....” — A.W. Tozer
“Oh, Lord, You know the constant struggle so many of us have with our thought life. You know how often our thoughts do indeed settle on rotten carcasses. Take control of my thoughts today, and move me along in the development of the habit of holy thought. Amen.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to note your voluntary thoughts and reflect on your spiritual condition.
- Offer your mind to God in complete surrender and ask for His control over your thoughts.
- Develop the habit of holy thought through daily prayer and mental prayer.