Growing Oaks or Ears of Popcorn
The true Christian must focus on enduring, lasting things and trust in God's timing, rather than seeking immediate gratification.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the need for the church to reclaim its eternal purpose, focusing on lasting foundations rather than fleeting appearances. He contrasts the depth of true faith, which requires patience and endurance, with the superficiality of popular religion that seeks immediate gratification. Tozer illustrates that while it may take longer to develop a strong, enduring faith (like growing an oak), the results are far more valuable than the quick, shallow growth represented by an ear of popcorn. He calls for Christians to prioritize eternal values and to be willing to walk slowly and purposefully in their spiritual journey, rather than being swept away by the fast-paced demands of modern life.
Text
The church must claim again her ancient dowry of everlastingness. She must begin again to deal with ages and millenniums rather then with days and years. She must not count numbers but test foundations. She must work for permanence rather than for appearance. Her children must seek those enduring things that have been touched with immortality. The shallow brook of popular religion chatters on its nervous way and thinks the ocean too quiet and dull because it lies deep in its mighty bed and is unaffected by the latest shower. Faith in one of its aspects moves mountains; in another it gives patience to see the promises afar off and to wait quietly for their fulfillment.
Insistence upon an immediate answer to every request of the soul is an evidence of religious infantilism.
It takes God longer to grow an oak than to grow an ear of popcorn. It will cost something to walk slow in the parade of the ages while excited men of time rush about confusing motion with progress. But it will pay in the long run--and the true Christian is not much interested in anything short of that.
Sermon Outline
- Claiming the Ancient Dowry of Everlastingness
- Dealing with ages and millenniums, not days and years
- Testing foundations, not counting numbers
Key Quotes
“It will cost something to walk slow in the parade of the ages while excited men of time rush about confusing motion with progress.” — A.W. Tozer
“It takes God longer to grow an oak than to grow an ear of popcorn.” — A.W. Tozer
“Faith in one of its aspects moves mountains; in another it gives patience to see the promises afar off and to wait quietly for their fulfillment.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- As a Christian, focus on building a strong foundation of faith rather than seeking immediate answers.
- Trust in God's timing and promises, even when it takes time and patience.
- Prioritize enduring, lasting things over short-term gains.