TOZER DEVOTIONAL
Sun, May 28, 2017
Mature Living
The absence of spiritual devotion today is an omen and a portent. The modern church is all but contemptuous of the sober virtues--meekness, modesty, humility, quietness, obedience, self-effacement, patience. To be accepted now, religion must be in the popular mood. Consequently, much religious activity reeks with pride, display, self-assertion, self-promotion, love of gain and devotion to trivial pleasures.

It behooves us to take all this seriously. Time is running out for all of us. What is done must be done quickly. We have no right to lie idly by and let things take their course. A farmer who neglects his farm will soon lose it; a shepherd who fails to look after his flock will find the wolves looking after it for him. A misbegotten charity that allows the wolves to destroy the flock is not charity at all but indifference, rather, and should be known for what it is and dealt with accordingly.

It is time for Bible-believing Christians to begin to cultivate the sober graces and to live among men like sons of God and heirs of the ages. And this will take more than a bit of doing, for the whole world and a large part of the church is set to prevent it. But if God be for us, who can be against us?

Verse
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity . . .
Hebrews 6:1a

Thought
Over the years have there been those believers who have provided for you an example of quiet, Christlike living even in the most adverse circumstances? Thank God for those who show the rest of us daily living characterized by the sober virtues.

Prayer
Thank You, Lord, for those who have modeled Christlike living to me. They have demonstrated that I, too, may grow and grow and grow.