"Faith looks out instead of in and the whole life falls into line." A.W. Tozer

The following is an excerpt from the book, "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer.  It is one of the best books I have ever read. 

This particular excerpt is talking about how when we change our gaze from inward self-improvement to an outward faithful gaze to Him, our lives will be transformed.   It just reminds me that even in my best efforts, I can never please God.  Even my attempts to be good and holy is insufficient.  Instead of becoming more like Him, I have set myself up as an idol against Him.      

"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 within him.  It will be God working in him to will and to do."

"Faith is redirecting our sight, a getting out of the focus of our own vision and getting God into focus.  Sin has twisted our vision inward and made it self-regarding.  Unbelief has put self where God should be. and is perilously close to the sin of Lucifer who said I will set my throne above the throne of God. Faith looks out instead of in and the whole life falls into line. " A.W. Tozer