Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:32–40

A Life That Matters

For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that he may strongly support those whose heart is completely his. (II Chronicles 16:9. NASB)

Though unrecognized in much of popular culture, A. W. Tozer (1897– 1963) was one of the most influential American churchmen of the twentieth century. He considered himself a “minor prophet” and rejoiced in his anonymity. No one ever accused Tozer of being superficial. His messages were deep because his life was deep. Many of the books that he wrote (The Pursuit of God, The Knowledge of the Holy, etc.) continue to bless thousands even today. Tozer is a beautiful example of the truth of II Chronicles 16:9. God is looking everywhere to find a man or a woman totally surrendered to his will and purposes. If he can find one, God will show the world what he can do through such a consecrated life.

What kind of soil produces oaks of righteousness like Tozer? From what quarry are such stones cut? A good answer to that question comes when we read Tozer’s sermon “Five Vows of Spiritual Power.” Here we get a glimpse of the inner spiritual commitments that Tozer made to God that help explain the power of his life.

 

1. Deal thoroughly with Sin, like cancer, if left untreated will destroy us. “The soul who sins will die” (Ezekiel 18:4). Tozer urged his readers to make a commitment, with God’s help, to identify sin, repudiate it, and trust God for deliverance from it. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8). Make no compromise with sin.
2. Never own Tozer believed Christians should seek to delete the word “mine” from their vocabulary. We are stewards, not owners. The tragedy is that many are possessed by their possessions! All that we have belongs to God. Worry and anxiety invade our lives when we forget who the real owner is (I Timothy 6:7).
3. Never defend yourself. If you are a child of God, you can rest in the assurance that he will defend you and protect your ultimate “I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you” (Exodus 23:22). Your job is to trust. God’s job is to fight (II Chronicles 20:17).
4. Never pass anything on about anybody else that will hurt him. The temptation to gossip about others and slander their reputation is great. “Love covers a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8). Remember, we will be judged by the very standards we use to judge others (Matthew 7:2).
5. Never accept any glory. God is jealous of his glory. He will share it with no one. Jesus gave up his rights and reputation so that his Father might be glorified. We must do the same (I Corinthians 1:31).

 

 

Tozer’s challenge is poignant:

 

My counsel in this matter is that if you are really concerned about spiritual improvement—the gaining of new power, new life, new joy and new personal revival within your heart—you will do well to make certain vows and proceed to keep them. If you should fail, go down in humility and repent and start over.

 

God is still looking over the entire earth to find a man or a woman whose heart is totally devoted to him! Will you be that man? Will you be that woman?

 

 

 

But whatever you do, find the God-centered, Christ-exalting, Bible-saturated passion of your life,

and find your way to say it and live for it and die for it. And you will

make a difference that lasts. You will not waste your life.—John Piper

 

 

 

point to ponder • Are you living a life that matters? Perhaps you are successful, but does your life have significance?

 

prayer focus • Any who are stuck in spiritual mediocrity. Pray for humility, repentance, and the encouragement to start over.