Be occupied with HIM!

“For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and boast in Christ Jesus, and do not trust in flesh…But surely I count also all things to be loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the loss of all, and count them to be filth, that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:3,8).

It is often and truly said that the devil does not care whether you are occupied in praising or scolding yourself, as long as you are taken up with self. For you must know that you can never be greater or rise higher than that with which you are occupied; and as long as self fills your eyes, Christ is eclipsed. If you have said there is no good in the flesh, you have said all that needs to be said. It is now your right and privilege to turn from it to Him who is altogether and forever good and be occupied with Him.

When a vote of no confidence is moved and carried in the British House of Commons, the government falls and a new ministry takes its place. This is what you must do: move a vote of no confidence in the flesh. How can it be done? Cease to support it upon the government benches; turn away to the Lord, and let God’s Holy Spirit have the reins and guide you henceforward.

You do not trust a person in whom you have no confidence; you would not commit to such a one your secrets, much less allow him to direct and control your life; and yet, is not this the way you have treated the flesh? Thence the failure and bondage. Oh, take the two-edged sword of God’s truth as to its worthlessness and plunge it to the hilt into the heart of it; have done with the flesh—cast it aside—no longer be on speaking terms with it—and henceforward walk in the happy liberty of the Spirit and occupation with Christ.

Then it will be evident that you have reached God’s conclusion as to the matter, and you will be true to your circumcision.

J.T.M.