It Matters What You Think

DAILY READING

Philippians 4:4-8

FIELD NOTES

From the sermons of A.W. Tozer: 

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, Paul’s 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.”

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What is the difference between thinking godly thoughts and trying to do God’s will, and feeling spiritual? How can you focus your thoughts on the things of God? 

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• What does it mean to think godly thoughts? What does it mean to try to do God’s will?  

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear Lord, help me to focus my mind and heart on You. Command my thoughts to be fixed on You. Help my thoughts to be Your thoughts, so that I can do Your will and not my own. Amen.