Misunderstood Salt
Choosing Christ as our career and living our lives according to God's principles is not a negative thing, but rather a positive and beneficial choice.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of choosing God as our primary focus, despite being misunderstood or criticized by the world. He argues that Christians should not apologize for their commitment to Christ, as this choice leads to a life of goodness and integrity. Tozer questions who has been harmed by a true Christian's presence, asserting that no one is worse off for knowing a follower of Christ. He highlights the joy and fulfillment that comes from walking with God, contrasting it with the emptiness of worldly pursuits. Ultimately, Tozer encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ without shame.
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For choosing God as our one all absorbing interest we Christians are sometimes scorned or written off as hopelessly narrow-minded. But must we apologize? Must we apologize that we have chosen Christ as our career? That we deliberately will to walk with those who walk with God? That we have chosen eternity over time and heaven over earth? Must we apologize that we have chosen to seek good and not evil all the days of our lives? That we have chosen so to live that we dare to die? In so choosing whom have we injured? Whose son or daughter is the worse for knowing us? Whose house have we robbed or whose money have we stolen? Whom have we led into crime?
Who is a worse husband or father or citizen for following our Savior?
If we have wronged anyone it is in spite of our Christian faith, not because of it. No man, no home, no nation is the worse for the presence of a real Christian.
Gerhard Tersteegen, the saintly silk weaver, said it for us in a delightful little bit of verse: Child of the Eternal Father, Bride of the Eternal Son, Dwelling place of God the Spirit, Thus with Christ made ever one; Dowered with joy beyond the angels, Nearest to His throne, They the ministers attending His beloved one: Granted all my hearts desire, All things made my own; Feared by all the powers of evil, Fearing God alone; Walking with the Lord in glory Through the courts divine, Queen within the royal palace, Christ forever mine: Say, poor worldling, can it be That my heart should envy thee?
Sermon Outline
- The Misconception of Christians
- The Benefits of Choosing Christ
- The Impact of Real Christians
- No one is worse off for knowing a real Christian
- Real Christians are a positive influence
- Living to die for Christ
Key Quotes
“Child of the Eternal Father, Bride of the Eternal Son, Dwelling place of God the Spirit, Thus with Christ made ever one;” — A.W. Tozer
“Say, poor worldling, can it be That my heart should envy thee?” — A.W. Tozer
“No man, no home, no nation is the worse for the presence of a real Christian.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should strive to live our lives in a way that honors God and is a positive influence on those around us.
- Choosing Christ as our career is a deliberate choice to follow Him and prioritize our relationship with God.
- Real Christians are a blessing to those around them and can make a positive impact on their community.