Faith Despite Feeling or Sight
True spiritual growth and closeness to God come through faith in His constituted means, not through human methods or emotional manipulation.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of adhering to God's established means for spiritual growth rather than relying on emotional manipulation or psychological tactics. He critiques the tendency of some to seek blessings through superficial methods, such as group dynamics or emotional displays, which ultimately do not foster a genuine relationship with God or enhance love for others. Tozer argues that true spirituality requires a commitment to God's ways, which lead to a fruitful life and a victorious death. He calls for a return to simple, sincere faith that aligns with biblical principles rather than fanatical practices.
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A fanatic is somebody seeking desirable ends but ignoring constituted means. Seeking to get out of the religious rut is a desirable end. It is right and it is in the will of God. But trying to do it in a manner that is not according to God"s constituted means is all wrong and gets us nowhere. When they want to get blessed, some people try getting worked up psychologically. There are some who, while they have not studied psychology, are master psychologists. They know how to manipulate audiences, knowing when to lower their voices and when to raise them, when to make them sound very sad and all the rest.
They know how to get people all worked up. . . . Some people try group dynamics. We all sit around together and practice togetherness, and by practicing togetherness we finally work up some spirituality. What is needed is some old-fashioned, salty horse sense. I am sure there are 189 mules in the state of Missouri that have more sense than a lot or preachers who are trying to teach people how to get the blessing of God in some way other than by the constituted means. When you get people all broken up, dabbing at their eyes and shaking, what is the result?
It does not bring them any closer to God. It does not make them love God any better, in accordance with the first commandment. Nor does it give any greater love for neighbors, which is the second commandment. It does not prepare them to live fruitfully on earth. It does not prepare them to die victoriously, and it does not guarantee that they will be with the Lord at last.
Sermon Outline
- Faith vs. Feeling
- The Importance of Constituted Means
- The Dangers of Manipulation
- The Futility of Human Methods
- God's Plan for Spiritual Growth
- The Consequences of Ignoring God's Plan
Key Quotes
“When you get people all broken up, dabbing at their eyes and shaking, what is the result?” — A.W. Tozer
“I am sure there are 189 mules in the state of Missouri that have more sense than a lot or preachers who are trying to teach people how to get the blessing of God in some way other than by the constituted means.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must rely on faith in God's plan for spiritual growth, rather than human methods or emotional manipulation.
- Ignoring God's plan for spiritual growth can lead to a lack of preparation for living fruitfully on earth and dying victoriously.
- We must seek to understand and follow God's constituted means for spiritual growth.