Vol.VIII No.II Pg.1
April 1971

Shhh! Men Thinking

Robert F. Turner

God seeks thinking men; he has no use for a remote controlled robot. Man, a living sacrifice to God, is presented as a reasonable service rational, offered by the reason (Rom. 12:1). This man is transformed by renewing his mind (Rom. 12:2) — getting him to think right. He meditates on Gods law (Psa. 1:2) and acts according to its precepts. He considers Gods unspeakable gift — his son (2 Cor. 9:15) and praise with thanksgiving is offered to God. He realizes the worth of a soul and seeks to save men. Thus God succeeds, and heaven rejoices over this thinking man in service to God.

A brother in an assembly sings without comprehending the words of praise. He bows — and dozes — while someone expresses to God the mind of the congregation. He eats a pinch of bread and drinks a sip of grape juice but never remembers the sacrifice behind this memorial. He sleeps as a preacher stirs. . Pure minds (2 Pet. 3:1). His performance is empty — a useless ritual. God is not pleased; the man is not profited. Thoughtlessness destroyed his worship.

Some folk assume that thinking of something makes it both right and wise. Their thoughts become their own supreme court. They settle all questions with Well, I think.. . . Remember, a man can think and yet think wrong. Saul of Tarsus did. I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth (Act. 26:9).

Others decide thinking is reaching different conclusions from everyone else. Such is false. In fact, beware of a conclusion no one holds. There is probably a good reason. Everyone believes the world is round. I weigh the evidence and arrive at the same conclusion — because the evidence demands it. Yet the conclusion is mine.

There is always risk in men thinking. At times weird ideas will be advanced. A baby would not fall if he never tried to walk; he would also never walk. Thinking has its childhood stage (1 Cor. 13:11). With patience and constructive help brethren should out grow the nutty idea stage to reason logically and reach mature conclusions. Joe Fitch