There are numerous methods of mortification (putting sin to death) that I have sought to apply over the years to kill the destructive forces that continually war against my soul. Such biblical methods as hiding the truth of God’s Word in my heart, not making provision for the flesh, or reckoning myself dead to sin have headed the list. While they have provided this weak man some measure of relief., the help has only been temporary.
Self – imposed means have also been applied at times to deal a death blow to the fountain of inner corruption. Guilt, fear and shameful, debilitating transparent honestly have provided a temporary fix, but still no sustained victory.
In the Moslem world, I heard the true story of a man who held his arm above his head in a fixed position for months until the limb was frozen in his attempt to overcome sin.
So what is the best way of conquering the wicked propensities of remaining corruption in our hearts? I believe A. W. Tozer sets forth the most liberating answer when he says:
“The man who has struggled to purify himself and has had nothing but repeated failures will experience real relief when he stops tinkering with his soul and looks away to the perfect One. While he looks at Christ, the very things he has so long been trying to do will be getting done for him. It will be God working in him to will and to do.”
What Tozer recommends is the urgent need of gazing upon the Christ of Scripture. In II Corinthians 3:18 the promise is sure, we shall be transformed from one degree of glory to another, thus overcoming sin, if our mind’s eye stays fixed on Christ. For nothing invites the aid of the Holy Spirit to conform us to the very image of Jesus Christ any more than contemplating Him moment by moment.
On one occasion, Charles Spurgeon said, “in forty years of being a Christian, I can never recall any more than fifteen waking moments that I have not thought on Jesus.” Perhaps this is the very reason why his ministry continues to be perpetuated throughout the world today.