Choices
The sermon emphasizes the importance of examining our choices and actions to determine our true character and make necessary changes before it is too late.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of our choices, particularly when we have the freedom to choose our actions. He illustrates that a person's true character is revealed not in compulsory situations, but in voluntary ones, such as choosing leisure over worship. Tozer encourages self-reflection on where our thoughts and actions lead us when we are free to choose, suggesting that these choices reflect our spiritual condition. He urges believers to make choices that align with God's will, recognizing the limited time we have to live righteously. The sermon concludes with a prayer for guidance in making pleasing choices to God.
Text
I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! --Psalm 119:30-31
The important thing about a man is not where he goes when he is compelled to go, but where he goes when he is free to go where he will....
A man is absent from church Sunday morning. Where is he? If he is in a hospital having his appendix removed his absence tells us nothing about him except that he is ill; but if he is out on the golf course, that tells us a lot. To go to the hospital is compulsory; to go to the golf course, voluntary. The man is free to choose and he chooses to play instead of to pray. His choice reveals what kind of man he is. Choices always do....
I think it might be well for us to check our spiritual condition occasionally by the simple test of compatibility. When we are free to go, where do we go? In what company do we feel most at home? Where do our thoughts turn when they are free to turn where they will? When the pressure of work or business or school has temporarily lifted and we are able to think of what we will instead of what we must, what do we think of then?
The answer to these questions may tell us more about ourselves than we can comfortably accept. But we had better face up to things. We haven't too much time at the most. Man: The Dwelling Place of God, 158-161.
"Lord, as a pastor or teacher I can't choose to play golf on Sunday morning, but I can choose a lot of other things that are just as revealing of my inner character. Help me to make choices today that are pleasing to You. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of Choices
- A. Choices reveal a man's character
- B. Compulsory actions do not reveal character
- C. Voluntary actions do reveal character
- II. The Test of Compatibility
- A. Where do we feel most at home?
- B. Where do our thoughts turn when free?
- III. The Need for Self-Reflection
- A. We must face our true nature
- B. We have limited time to make changes
Key Quotes
“The important thing about a man is not where he goes when he is compelled to go, but where he goes when he is free to go where he will.” — A.W. Tozer
“Choices always do reveal what kind of man he is.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should regularly examine our choices and actions to determine our true character and make necessary changes.
- We should prioritize our spiritual well-being and make choices that are pleasing to God.
- We should not wait until it is too late to make changes in our lives.