Our break with the world will be the direct outcome of our changed relation to God. For the world of fallen men does not honor God. Millions call themselves by His name, it is true, and pay some token respect to Him; but a simple test will show how little He is really honored among them. Let the average man be put to the proof on the question of who is above, and his true position will be exposed. Let him be forced into making a choice between God and money, between God and men, between God and personal ambition, God and self, God and human love…God will take second place every time. Those other things will be exalted above. However a man may protest, the proof is in the choices he makes day after day throughout his life.
A.W. Tozer
1897 – 1963
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This is very true! We have seen it over and over again as we seek to disciple people. For instance, when I was in England and even here in the states, I watched friends’ faces go from being open and warm with a desire to please God to becoming cold and hard with a desire to lash out at the person closest to them because their toes had been stepped on (or the more likely description would be that their god had been exposed and they didn’t want to hear it)!
It is a struggle to go from your own desires and wishes to doing God’s will regardless of the cost. I have been there and I realize how hard it is! In the end, though, I realize that I will be more miserable following my own path instead of following God’s will! As Tozer says, it is a decision that has to be made day after day! Praise the Lord that He keeps His elect and loves them enough to discipline them!
Great quote, and also very well said, Mrs. DP! You are exactly right.
A.W. Tozer was absolutley correct.
Idolatry is what we do.
No one, absolutely no one (that is really honest with themselves) can make it past the 1st Commandment.
There is plenty of evidence (truth be told) in my life and yours,to prove that we really are not all that concerned about God.
But…He is concerned about us! He loves and forgives us in spite of our faithlessness.
Great post!
If God has to take ‘second place’, we are not saved.