========================================================================
  WORLD AND KINGDOM STATUS
  by A.W. Tozer
========================================================================

Summary: A.W. Tozer warns that class-consciousness, a spirit foreign to
Christ, exists in both society and the church, influencing Christian
conduct and behavior.

Topics: "Unity in Christ", "Class Consciousness"
Scripture References: James 2:1

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A.W. Tozer addresses the issue of class consciousness in American
society and the church, highlighting the disconnect between the ideals
of democracy and the reality of social stratification. He points out
that while leaders advocate for equality, they often remain distant from
the common people, creating an aristocracy of fame and wealth. Tozer
emphasizes that this class division is also reflected within the church,
which contradicts the spirit of Christ and influences Christian behavior
negatively. He reminds us that all individuals, regardless of status,
were in the heart of Jesus at the cross, underscoring the need for unity
and humility among believers.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

In spite of our lip-service to democracy, Americans are a decidedly
class-conscious people. The very politicians and educators and church
leaders among us who sound abroad the praises of the common man and
plead for equal rights for all are in private practice as aloof from the
plain people as the proudest monarch could ever be. There exists among
us an aristocracy composed of famous people, rich men, social lions,
actors, public figures and headliners of one kind or another, and these
are a class apart. Beneath them, standing off in wild-eyed admiration,
are the millions of anonymous men and women who make up the mass of the
population.

And they have nothing in their favor--except that they were in the heart
of Jesus when He died upon the cross.

Within the church also there exists a class consciousness, a reflection
of that found in society. This has been brought over into the church
from the world. Its spirit is completely foreign to the spirit of
Christ, utterly opposed to it, indeed; and yet it determines to a large
degree the conduct of Christians. This is the source of the evil we
mention here.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/world-and-kingdom-status/
========================================================================