That Magnificent Gift of Thought
The sermon emphasizes the importance of human thought and the need for society to prioritize teaching people to think.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the unique position of human beings in God's creation, created in His image and endowed with the magnificent gift of thought. He argues that humanity's ability to think, worship, and work sets us apart from all other creatures, enabling us to observe, inquire, and reason. Tozer highlights the importance of nurturing this gift from early childhood through education, as it is essential for societal progress and the betterment of humanity. He calls for gratitude towards institutions that dedicate themselves to teaching critical thinking and imagination, which are vital for overcoming challenges and advancing civilization.
Text
Though human nature as we know it now is fallen and morally degenerate, it yet stands at the top in the order of Gods creation. Of no other being was it said, In the image of God created he him. Mans nature indicates that he was created for three things: To think, to worship and to work. Under think may be included everything that the intellect can do, from the simplest act to the creation of an oratorio or the founding of an empire.
In his ability to observe, to inquire, to collect data and to reason from it to causes, laws and principles, man stands easily supreme above all other creatures.
The domestication of the wild forces of nature, the conquest of disease, the amelioration of the pains and woes of our physical organism-all has been done by the thinking man riding on the wings of his imagination out into the unknown and daring to entertain notions no one had entertained before. To make out of the raw material that is a man a thinking man, an imaginative, dreaming man, is one of the most urgent tasks of society. This task begins in the nursery and goes on through to the university.
Whatever institution, large or small, famous or obscure, dedicates itself to the necessary and heavy job of teaching men to think deserves the gratitude of the whole human race.
Sermon Outline
- Man's Nature and Purpose
- The Power of Human Thought
- The Importance of Teaching People to Think
- Task begins in the nursery and continues through university
- Institutions dedicated to teaching men to think deserve gratitude
Key Quotes
“In his ability to observe, to inquire, to collect data and to reason from it to causes, laws and principles, man stands easily supreme above all other creatures.” — A.W. Tozer
“To make out of the raw material that is a man a thinking man, an imaginative, dreaming man, is one of the most urgent tasks of society.” — A.W. Tozer
“Whatever institution, large or small, famous or obscure, dedicates itself to the necessary and heavy job of teaching men to think deserves the gratitude of the whole human race.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should prioritize teaching people to think and develop their critical thinking skills.
- Human thought and imagination have the power to transform society and improve our lives.
- We should be grateful for institutions that dedicate themselves to teaching men to think and promoting personal growth.