THINKING AND SPIRITUAL LIFE
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 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 10:4-5)

Devotion 6 of 12

PREACHING THAT IS THOUGHTFUL
     It should concern us that so much of the preaching of our time appeals to the carnal mind. Such communication promotes alienation from God, and renders the speaker spiritually useless. Fleshly words produce fleshly thought, and this is never in order in the mouths of God's spokesman. This is  something of what is involved in the admonition, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Eph 4:29). Corrupt communication ("unwholesome talk," NIV) is speech dominated by the flesh. It does not flow from a heavenly perspective, and thus cannot yield a heavenly benefit.

     Much of the flawed thinking of our time is the direct result of flawed preaching. When a body of people, a movement, or any amalgamation of personalities, veers sharply off the course, they have either been hearing the wrong thing, or obstinately rejecting the truth. The general lack of spiritual mindedness in our churches indicates that people have been hearing the  wrong thing. It is not that the message directed to them is morally depraved, or that it is intellectually inferior. The contemporary religious message is out of focus, and does not satisfactorily address eternal issues. Therefore, it spawns inferior and out-of-focus thinking. Spiritual life cannot be fostered by  unspiritual thinking, and spiritual thinking cannot be encouraged by unspiritual speaking.    

MEDITATION
      I am alarmed at the lack of godly communication among professed religious leaders. I do not mean to be critical, but when supposed spiritual pacesetters do not prefer to speak of the things of the kingdom, a very serious condition exists. The situation is not one to be resolved by mandate, or the passing of a law. If men are off-center in their speech, it is because they are off-center in their thinking. Proper thought will correct a great deal of improper communication.

Meditation is productive thinking
     One of the primary means employed to produce sound thought is meditation. When hearing this word, some people think of the Eastern mystics who are noted for "meditation." In the heathen culture, however, meditation is more related to the emptying of the mind than the productive use of it. In the
Word of God, "meditation" relates to a focused consideration of the things of God. It is the arena in which divine fellowship is realized. 

     A culture addicted to entertainment knows little, if anything, about meditation. To such, visual presentation is the most productive. In the kingdom of God it is the least productive. The "eye gate" is not the superior gate in the realm of the Spirit. One only needs to consider Israel to confirm this to be the
case. Their subjection to divine wonders in the exodus, and their exposure to the Son of God both confirm sight to be inferior in the apprehension of eternal verity. "Seeing" is NOT believing, nor does it give one the advantage in  spiritual life. I realize that contradicts much of the religion of our day.
However, churchdom is not noted for producing thinkers, and the  contemplation of heavenly things is anything but common in the average congregation. Listening to the private conversations in a common religious gathering will confirm this to be the case.

Meditation under the law
     Even under the Law, meditation was vital to the acceptance of the people. "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success" (Josh 1:8). And why were they to "meditate?" It was in order that they might "observe to do according to all that is written therein." Doing what the Lord says presumes extensive thought concerning what He declares. Nowhere is response to God related to mere rote, or mechanics. Doing what is right requires thinking what is right. Obedience is never inadvertent or accidental. You cannot stumble into the good pleasure of God. Nor, indeed, can you work your way into it. You will have to involve your heart and your mind--and meditation requires both.

PRAYER POINT: Father, In Jesus name, give me grace to be spiritually productive in my thoughts. Too, bless all who speak in Your name to do so with power, focus, and insight.

-- TOMORROW: THE NECESSITY OF FOCUS --