The Good Life That Turns Out to Be Not So Good
The pursuit of truth is often overlooked in favor of more tangible and materialistic goals.
A.W. Tozer addresses the misconception that society is filled with truth seekers, arguing instead that most individuals pursue success and material gain rather than genuine truth. He highlights that many young people enter higher education not to discover truth, but to enhance their social status and financial security. Tozer points out that the desires of the average person revolve around basic urges and the pursuit of comfort, rather than noble aspirations. This focus on materialism raises concerns about the spiritual emptiness that accompanies such pursuits. Ultimately, Tozer challenges listeners to reflect on their true motivations and the superficial nature of their aspirations.
Text
Almost everywhere it is assumed that people are seeking truth, that society is literally swarming with dedicated truth seekers. The fact is that men have never in any numbers sought after truth. If we may judge peoples interests by their deeds, then of the young men and women who stream forth from our halls of learning each year the vast majority have no more than a passing and academic interest in truth. They go to college not to satisfy a yearning to discover truth, but to improve their social standing and increase their earning power. These motives are not necessarily to be despised; but they should be known for what they are, and not hidden beneath a pink cloud of specious idealism.
What are people actually seeking?
Of course they seek satisfaction for the basic urges such as hunger, sex and social companionship; but beyond these what? Certainly for nothing as high and noble as truth. Ask the average American what he wants from life and if he is candid he will tell you he wants success in his chosen field; and he wants success both for the prestige it brings him and for the financial security it affords. And why does he want financial security? To guarantee him against the loss of comforts, luxuries and pleasures, which he believes are rightfully his as a part of his American heritage. The ominous thing about all this is that everything he wants can be bought with money. It would be hard to think of an indictment more terrible than that.
Sermon Outline
- The Misconception of Truth Seekers
- People assume everyone is seeking truth
- In reality, most people are driven by other motives
Key Quotes
“If we may judge people's interests by their deeds, then of the young men and women who stream forth from our halls of learning each year the vast majority have no more than a passing and academic interest in truth.” — A.W. Tozer
“What are people actually seeking? Of course they seek satisfaction for the basic urges such as hunger, sex and social companionship; but beyond these what?” — A.W. Tozer
“The ominous thing about all this is that everything he wants can be bought with money.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Recognize that people's motivations may not always align with seeking truth.
- Be aware of the potential for materialism to drive our desires and decisions.
- Consider the true value of success and what it means to live a meaningful life.