Shaping of Character by Truth
The shaping of character by truth is the great purpose of life, beginning early and continuing through all stages of life.
Phillips Brooks preaches about the importance of seeking truth in the inward parts to shape our character throughout life. This process begins from the earliest moments of conscious existence and continues to evolve as we grow. In the early stages of life, truth enters through obedient trust, while later it comes through individual conviction. Brooks emphasizes the need to honor both channels of truth in order to maintain the symmetry and unity of life, cautioning against disregarding either half or clinging to traditional ideas without personal conviction.
Text
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts"
(Ps. 51:6).
The great purpose of life--the shaping of character by truth--is to be sought in all the life. There are no wasted hours. It must begin in the life's morning and run on till the nightfall comes. With the first opening of conscious existence--nay, who can say how long before existence becomes conscious--this process, the shaping of character by truth, begins. In each period of the changing life it may change its methods and yet be the same process still. In the early life the channel through which truth enters for its work is obedient trust. Later it is individual conviction; but he mangles the life, and loses its symmetry and unity, who breaks off either half or dishonours either channel; who either thinks there can be no religion till the mind can understand its grounds, or tries to keep the mature mind under the power of traditional ideas of which it has received no personal conviction.
Sermon Outline
- The Shaping of Character by Truth
- The Great Purpose of Life
- The Process Begins Early in Life
- The Channel of Truth Changes with Age
Key Quotes
“Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts” — Phillips Brooks
“There are no wasted hours.” — Phillips Brooks
Application Points
- We must seek truth in all stages of life, from early obedience to mature conviction.
- Honoring both obedient trust and individual conviction is crucial for a balanced and unified life.