Advertizing Our Imperfections
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of accepting imperfections in ourselves and others within the Christian community.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the reality of human imperfection within the Christian community, arguing that while we aspire to perfection, it is essential to accept our fellow believers as they are. He acknowledges that true Christians still struggle with flaws and that recognizing these imperfections is crucial for fostering charity and understanding among one another. Tozer warns against the danger of impatience towards imperfect brothers, as it only highlights our own shortcomings. He reminds us that the ideal church does not exist on earth, and we must learn to coexist with those who are still growing in their faith.
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Our Lofty Idealism would argue that all Christians should be perfect, but a blunt realism forces us to admit that perfection is rare even among the saints. The part of wisdom is to accept our Christian brothers and sisters for what they are rather than for what they should be.
We do not wish to excuse the laziness of the saints or to provide carnality with a place to hide, but it is necessary that we face facts. And the plain fact is that the average Christian--even true Christian--is yet a long way from being like Christ in character and life. There is much that is imperfect about us, and it is fitting that we recognize it and call upon God for charity to put up with one another. The perfect church is not on this earth. The most spiritual church is sure to have in it some who are still bothered by the flesh.
An old Italian proverb says, "He that will have none but a perfect brother must resign himself to remain brotherless." However earnestly we may desire that our Christian brother go on toward perfection, we must accept him as he is and learn to get along with him. To treat an imperfect brother impatiently is to advertise our own imperfections.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - The reality of imperfection among Christians - The contrast between idealism and realism - The necessity of acceptance
- II points: - The dangers of excusing laziness - Recognizing our own imperfections - The call for charity among believers
- III points: - The myth of the perfect church - The presence of the flesh in the spiritual community - Learning to coexist with imperfections
- IV points: - The significance of patience with one another - The implications of impatience - The importance of humility in relationships
Key Quotes
“The perfect church is not on this earth.” — A.W. Tozer
“To treat an imperfect brother impatiently is to advertise our own imperfections.” — A.W. Tozer
“He that will have none but a perfect brother must resign himself to remain brotherless.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Practice patience with fellow believers, recognizing that everyone is on their own journey.
- Acknowledge your own imperfections as a way to foster humility and understanding.
- Create a culture of acceptance in your church, where imperfections are recognized and addressed with love.