WARNING! Read at your own risk.

I think there should be a warning label on some of A.W. Tozer's writings. Something like the following:

WARNING! The reading of this material can be harmful to those satisfied with the spiritual status quo. Those that proceed with reading this material may exhibit conviction and spiritual hunger pains. Read at your own risk.

I'm reading a compilation of Tozer's writings called The Best of A.W. Tozer, compiled by Warren Wiersbe. In the chapter "Born after Midnight," Tozer wrote, "It may be said without qualification that every man is as holy and as full of the Spirit as he wants to be. He may not be as full as he wishes he were, but he is most certainly as full as he wants to be."

Chew on that for a while. Many believers long for spiritual power and significant experiences with God, but few are willing to accept the sacrifices that may involve. As American Christians we treat our spiritual maturity like we treat the American dream. We may wish for it, but don't want to make the sacrifices necessary to experience it.

Do we really want to be holy or do we prefer holding onto some of our carnal cravings? Do we really want to experience intimacy with God or do we find TV and the internet more appealing than prayer? Most believers will say they long for spiritual maturity and power in their lives, but few are willing to engage in the disciplines and surrender necessary to experience that.

God will ensure the spiritual growth and maturity of any believer who truly wants to grow. He made us for that purpose. He's not trying to hinder us. It's not a question of whether God is willing to, but rather a question of whether we really want it.

I'll let you read Tozer's quote one more time and mull it over. And remember, I warned you about reading this.

"It may be said without qualification that every man is as holy and as full of the Spirit as he wants to be. He may not be as full as he wishes he were, but he is most certainly as full as he wants to be."

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