The Utilitarian Christ
Tozer warns against the misuse of prayer as a means to achieve personal success or gain, and encourages us to approach prayer with humility and reverence.
A.W. Tozer addresses the misconception of Christ as a utilitarian figure, emphasizing that many have reduced Him to a mere tool for personal gain and success in trivial pursuits. He critiques the notion that Christ is invoked to assist in competitive sports, business dealings, or even morally questionable roles in entertainment, highlighting the danger of treating prayer as a means to manipulate divine power for selfish ends. Tozer calls for a deeper understanding of Christ's true nature, urging believers to approach Him with reverence and humility, recognizing His sovereignty rather than using Him for personal advantage.
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I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. --Job 42:5-6
Within the past few years, for instance, Christ has been popularized by some so-called evangelicals as one who, if a proper amount of prayer were made, would help the pious prize fighter to knock another fighter unconscious in the ring. Christ is also said to help the big league pitcher to get the proper hook on his curve. In another instance He assists an athletically-minded parson to win the high jump, and still another not only to come in first in a track meet but to set a new record in the bargain. He is said also to have helped a praying businessman to beat out a competitor in a deal, to underbid a rival and to secure a coveted contract to the discomfiture of someone else who was trying to get it. He is even thought to lend succor to a praying movie actress while she plays a role so lewd as to bring the blood to the face of a professional prostitute.
Thus our Lord becomes the Christ of utility, a kind of Aladdin's lamp to do minor miracles in behalf of anyone who summons Him to do his bidding. The Root of the Righteous, p. 24
"Lord, help me not to demean the person of Christ or the sovereignty of God with this cheap sham of prayer. Amen."
Sermon Outline
- The Demeaning of Christ
- Christ as a utility for human gain
- Examples of Christ being used for worldly success
Key Quotes
“Christ is also said to help the big league pitcher to get the proper hook on his curve.” — A.W. Tozer
“He is said also to have helped a praying businessman to beat out a competitor in a deal, to underbid a rival and to secure a coveted contract to the discomfiture of someone else who was trying to get it.” — A.W. Tozer
“Lord, help me not to demean the person of Christ or the sovereignty of God with this cheap sham of prayer. Amen.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We should approach prayer with humility and reverence, not as a means to achieve our own desires.
- The sovereignty of God should be our focus in prayer, not our own personal gain.
- We should avoid demeaning Christ in our prayer life by focusing on His person and sovereignty.