========================================================================
  ADVERTIZING OUR IMPERFECTIONS
  by A.W. Tozer
========================================================================

Summary: A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of accepting imperfections
in ourselves and others within the Christian community.

Topics: "Acceptance", "Imperfection in the Church"
Scripture References: Romans 15:7, Galatians 6:1, Ephesians 4:2

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the reality of human imperfection within the
Christian community, arguing that while we aspire to perfection, it is
essential to accept our fellow believers as they are. He acknowledges
that true Christians still struggle with flaws and that recognizing
these imperfections is crucial for fostering charity and understanding
among one another. Tozer warns against the danger of impatience towards
imperfect brothers, as it only highlights our own shortcomings. He
reminds us that the ideal church does not exist on earth, and we must
learn to coexist with those who are still growing in their faith.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Our Lofty Idealism would argue that all Christians should be perfect,
but a blunt realism forces us to admit that perfection is rare even
among the saints. The part of wisdom is to accept our Christian brothers
and sisters for what they are rather than for what they should be.

We do not wish to excuse the laziness of the saints or to provide
carnality with a place to hide, but it is necessary that we face facts.
And the plain fact is that the average Christian--even true Christian--
is yet a long way from being like Christ in character and life. There is
much that is imperfect about us, and it is fitting that we recognize it
and call upon God for charity to put up with one another. The perfect
church is not on this earth. The most spiritual church is sure to have
in it some who are still bothered by the flesh.

An old Italian proverb says, "He that will have none but a perfect
brother must resign himself to remain brotherless." However earnestly we
may desire that our Christian brother go on toward perfection, we must
accept him as he is and learn to get along with him. To treat an
imperfect brother impatiently is to advertise our own imperfections.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/aw-tozer/advertizing-our-imperfections/
========================================================================