Daring to Stand for Truth
The Spirit-filled Christian should prioritize peace, but not at the cost of compromising on what is right.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of standing for truth, even when it disrupts our peace. He explains that while the peace found in God's presence is sweet, there are times when Christians must oppose sin and injustice, despite the personal cost. Tozer warns against the temptation to remain silent for the sake of peace, as this can lead to complicity with wrongdoing. He highlights that true spirituality sometimes requires courage to confront evil, even when it is unpopular. Ultimately, the Spirit-filled Christian is called to live in love while also being willing to stand firm against iniquity.
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The nearer we draw to the heart of God the less taste we will have for controversy. The peace we know in God's bosom is so sweet that it is but natural that we want to keep it unbroken to enjoy as fully and as long as possible. The Spirit-filled Christian is never a good fighter. He is at too many disadvantages. The enemy is always better at invective than he will allow himself to be. The devil has all the picturesque epithets, and his followers have no conscience about using them.
The Christian is always more at home, blessing than he is opposing. He is, moreover, much thinner-skinned than his adversaries. He shrinks from an angry countenance and draws back from bitter words. They are symbols of a world he has long ago forsaken for the quiet of the kingdom of God where love and good will prevail. All this is in his favor, for it marks him out as a man in whom there is no hate and who earnestly desires to live at peace with all men. In spite of his sincere longing for peace, however, there will be times when he dare not allow himself to enjoy it.
There are times when it is a sin to be at peace. There are circumstances when there is nothing to do but to stand up and vigorously oppose. To wink at iniquity for the sake of peace is not a proof of superior spirituality; it is rather a sign of a reprehensible timidity which dare not oppose sin for fear of the consequences. For it will cost us heavily to stand for the right when the wrong is in the majority, which is 100 percent of the time.
Sermon Outline
- The Spirit-Filled Christian's Attitude Towards Controversy
- The Disadvantages of the Spirit-Filled Christian
- When to Stand Up for the Right
- There are times when it is a sin to be at peace
- Standing up for the right may cost heavily
Key Quotes
“The nearer we draw to the heart of God the less taste we will have for controversy.” — A.W. Tozer
“The Spirit-filled Christian is never a good fighter.” — A.W. Tozer
“To wink at iniquity for the sake of peace is not a proof of superior spirituality; it is rather a sign of a reprehensible timidity which dare not oppose sin for fear of the consequences.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a Christian, you should prioritize peace, but not at the cost of compromising on what is right.
- You should be willing to stand up for what is right, even if it costs you something.
- Being timid is not a sign of spirituality, but rather a lack of courage.