How Long Halt Ye Between Two Opinions?
A fully consecrated life is easier and more fulfilling than a half-hearted commitment to Christ.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the ease and joy of living a fully consecrated life in his sermon 'How Long Halt Ye Between Two Opinions?'. He uses the analogy of a streetcar operator to illustrate that just as a streetcar cannot function properly with one wheel off the track, a Christian cannot thrive while divided in their commitment to Christ. Simpson points out that the undecided, or 'halting', individual leads a miserable existence, while those who wholeheartedly follow Christ experience true joy and admiration. He challenges listeners to fully commit to Jesus, urging them to recognize the benefits of a complete surrender to their Royal Master.
Text
It is strange that people will not get over the idea that a consecrated life is a difficult one. A simple illustration will answer this foolish impression. Suppose a streetcar operator were to say, "It is much easier to run with one wheel on the track and the other off." His line would soon be dropped by the public, who would prefer to walk. Of course, it is ever so much easier to run with both wheels on the track-and always on the track-and it is much easier to follow Christ fully than to follow Him with a half heart and halting step. Elijah was right in his pungent question, How long halt ye between two opinions?
The undecided man is a halting man.
The halting man is a lame man and a miserable man, but the out-and-out Christian is the admiration of men and angels and a continual joy to himself. Say, is it all for Jesus, As you so often sing? Is He your Royal Master, Is He your heart's true King?
Sermon Outline
- The Difficulty of a Consecrated Life
- The Halting Man
- The Out-and-Out Christian
- Admiration of Men and Angels
- Continual Joy
- Miserableness
Key Quotes
“It is ever so much easier to run with both wheels on the track-and always on the track-and it is much easier to follow Christ fully than to follow Him with a half heart and halting step.” — A.B. Simpson
“How long halt ye between two opinions?” — A.B. Simpson
“Say, is it all for Jesus, As you so often sing?” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Commit fully to Christ and live with purpose and joy.
- Recognize the difference between a halting man and an out-and-out Christian.
- Ask yourself if Christ is your Royal Master and your heart's true King.