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  A SHAKY FOUNDATION
  by A.W. Tozer
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Summary: A.W. Tozer's sermon warns against building church leadership on
superficial traits and emphasizes the need for a strong foundation in
understanding God.

Topics: "Spiritual Leadership", "True Wisdom"
Scripture References: Jeremiah 9:23

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DESCRIPTION
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A.W. Tozer emphasizes the danger of building church leadership on
superficial qualities such as charm and personality rather than a deep
understanding of God. He critiques the tendency to value external
attributes over spiritual depth, warning that such a shaky foundation
can lead to disappointment and ineffectiveness in ministry. Tozer calls
for pastors to seek divine confirmation of their calling and urges
congregations to evaluate their leaders based on spiritual criteria
rather than mere charisma. He highlights the importance of knowing God
as the true measure of worth in ministry.

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CONTENT
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Thus says the Lord: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not
the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his
riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and
knows Me...." --Jeremiah 9:23-24

It is true that much church activity is thrown back upon a shaky
foundation of psychology and natural talents. It is sad but true that
many a mother-in-law is actually praying that her handsome son-in-law
may be called to preach because "he would have such a marvelous pulpit
presence."

We live in a day when charm is supposed to cover almost the entire
multitude of sins. Charm has taken a great place in religious
expression. I am convinced that our Lord expects us to be tough enough
and cynical enough to recognize all of this that pleases the unthinking
in our churches: the charm stuff, the stage presence in the pulpit, the
golden qualities of voice....

I feel sorry for the church that decides to call a pastor because "his
personality simply sparkles!" I have watched quite a few of those
sparklers through the years. In reality, as every kid knows at Fourth of
July time, sparklers can be an excitement in the neighborhood--but only
for about one minute! Then you are left holding a hot stick that quickly
cools off in your hand. Tragedy in the Church: The Missing Gifts, 32-33.

"Lord, confirm for each of us as pastors our divine call, that we might
indeed build on a strong foundation. Then bring conviction and
repentance to any in our congregations who are judging us with the wrong
criteria. Amen."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/a-shaky-foundation/
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