When ''Adjust'' Means ''Maladjust''
The sermon warns against the dangers of adjustment, which leads to conformity to mediocrity and a dead level of ordinariness.
A.W. Tozer addresses the overuse of the word 'adjust' in modern society, emphasizing its detrimental effects on spiritual growth. He argues that this trend leads to a downward adjustment towards mediocrity, where individuals conform to a common standard that lacks depth and authenticity. Tozer highlights how this desire for conformity begins in the home, extends to educational institutions, and is perpetuated by powerful advertising, which shapes societal values more than schools or churches. He calls for a reevaluation of what it means to adjust, urging believers to seek a higher standard rather than settling for ordinariness.
Text
A word that is being greatly overused in modern society is adjust.
I am certainly not the first one to complain about it, but my objection to its overuse is, I believe, on a little higher level, for most persons who register their objections are thinking only about its social effects while I am concerned with its effect in the spiritual realm.
Thinking persons who deplore the present mania for adjustment point out that almost all adjustment is made downward to bring people into harmony with the common and the mediocre, so that society is educated toward a dead level with ordinariness as its ultimate end.
This passion to be mediocre and to make everyone else the same begins with the parent in the home, spreads to the schools and is propagated with missionary zeal by the advertisers. And advertising, at least in the United States, is the most powerful educational agent extant. Those who write the advertising copy probably do more to determine the way the average person thinks than the school and church combined.
Sermon Outline
- The Problem with Adjustment
- The Overuse of the Word 'Adjust'
- The Social Effects of Adjustment
- The Spiritual Effects of Adjustment
Key Quotes
“Those who write the advertising copy probably do more to determine the way the average person thinks than the school and church combined.” — A.W. Tozer
“This passion to be mediocre and to make everyone else the same begins with the parent in the home, spreads to the schools and is propagated with missionary zeal by the advertisers.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Be cautious of the influence of advertising and media on your thoughts and values.
- Avoid conforming to mediocrity and strive for excellence in all areas of life.
- As a parent, be mindful of the values you pass on to your children and the example you set.