Costly Adjustment to This World
The sermon argues that adjusting to the world's standards is not the key to happiness and that the world lacks the authority and credentials to deliver on its promises.
A.W. Tozer challenges the notion that happiness comes from adjusting to societal norms, questioning the origins and authority of these standards. He argues that if the world demands conformity, it should provide evidence of its effectiveness through the happiness and prosperity of those who comply. Tozer highlights the lack of genuine fulfillment and contentment among those who follow these worldly standards, suggesting that the pursuit of happiness through adjustment is ultimately misguided. He calls for a critical examination of the values we adopt and their true impact on our lives.
Text
To be happy, adjust to the social norm. That is the popular notion but it will not hold up under examination. This norm to which we must adjust-where did it come from? What Moses brought it down from what mount? Where are its credentials? From whence its authority?
Since the world insists that I adjust to its beliefs, its moral standards and its practical working philosophies, it should be able to demonstrate that it knows where it is going, what it wants and why, and it should be able to come up with a few million happy men and women who by adjusting to its standards have found life's summum bonum. Furthermore, nations that have had the benefit of such adjustment should be prosperous, peaceful, contented and happy.
These stipulations do not appear to me at all unreasonable considering how much depends upon the outcome and how much evangelistic zeal the world puts into the effort to get everyone properly adjusted.
But these simple tests show how phony the whole thing is. . . .
Sermon Outline
- The Popular Notion of Happiness
- Adjusting to Social Norms
- The World's Authority
- The World's Failure to Deliver
Key Quotes
“To be happy, adjust to the social norm.” — A.W. Tozer
“These stipulations do not appear to me at all unreasonable considering how much depends upon the outcome and how much evangelistic zeal the world puts into the effort to get everyone properly adjusted.” — A.W. Tozer
“But these simple tests show how phony the whole thing is.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should not rely on the world's standards for happiness, but rather seek true fulfillment in our relationship with God.
- The world's promises of happiness and prosperity are often empty and unfulfilled.
- We should be cautious of the world's influence and seek guidance from God's word instead.