What are Clarion Word Classics?
The Clarion Word Classics (CWC) is a learning series WordBytes has launched to share faith writings that will strengthen and enrich our spiritual lives and faith walk. Some of our classics come from sage theologians. Others introduce contemporary writers who offer spiritual answers to the challenges of 21st century living.
The word “clarion” comes from the Latin word that means “clear”. Used as an adjective, it means “loud and clear”. Our intent with this quarterly series is to make “loud and clear” what is ours in Christ (Rom. 8:17) and the relevancy of our faith for this present generation (Matt. 24:34).
This quarter CWC, will introduce A.W. Tozer, a self-taught theologian, pastor, and writer whose powerful use of words continues to grip the intellect and stir the soul of today’s believer. He has authored more than 40 books, the best known are The Pursuit of God and The Knowledge of the Holy. The Dangers of a Shallow Faith is a never-before-published compilation.
How does it connect with our faith walk?
Lethargy is a lingering tiredness that is constant and limiting. Spiritual lethargy may be defined as a state of indifference or inertia with regard to one’s own spiritual growth and vitality.
The Apostle Paul urged the Thessalonians to avoid succumbing to spiritual lethargy: “so then let us not sleep as others do but let us be alert and sober” (1 Thess. 5:6).
Tozer describes this condition well: “there is little communion and little joy in the Lord. To have a cold heart with little pity, little fire, little love and little worship is spiritual lethargy.”[1]
Some of the most common symptoms include any combination of the following:
- Chronic indulgence in sinful thoughts and actions
- Little or no desire to pray
- Engagement in exclusively Christ-less entertainment
- Avoidance of personal accountability
- Decreased appetite for Bible study
- Selfish and materialistic orientation
- Reluctant and sporadic church attendance
Spiritual lethargy renders us “unserviceable” in God’s Kingdom. Deceived by Satan’s lies, tempted by the world, and weakened in our flesh, we are, as the mothers of the church would say, “no earthly good.” Satan’s most successful strategy is not to kill our faith but to silence our witness.
Tozer’s insights
Tozer urges us to be aware of the times in which we live. We are to “gird the loin of our mind, be sober and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:13). While Tozer’s dangers were centered on the evangelical church, its application is “spot on” for us individually as we move from “glory to glory” in our walk of faith (2 Cor. 3:18).
In the Word Ministries provides CWC in our effort to “inspire authentic communities of faith, fellowship, and learning.” It is in that spirit that we share this book. This is not an endorsement or agreement with the views shared. Here is an introductory reading from The Dangers of a Shallow Faith: Awakening from Spiritual Lethargy.
[1] The Dangers of a Shallow Faith: Awakening from Spiritual Lethargy.