If a Christian Could Have His Choice
The ideal Christian is one who strives for perfection, driven by the beauty and excellency of God and Christ.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a true Christian, if given the choice, would aspire to embody the highest virtues such as humility, holiness, and patience, striving to reflect God's perfection in their life. He highlights the desire for a deep, active faith that seeks to fulfill God's will with joy and diligence, mirroring the angels in heaven. The Christian's pursuit of grace and perfection is driven by a profound appreciation for the beauty of God and Christ, leading to a relentless quest for spiritual excellence.
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If a Christian could have his choice, he would be . . .
the most humble,
the most holy,
the most heavenly,
the most mortified,
the most patient,
the most contented,
the most thankful,
the most fruitful,
the most active,
the most zealous, and
the most self-denying Christian in the world.
If he could have his choice, he would be as holy as
God is holy; and as perfect as his heavenly Father
is perfect; he would do the will of God on earth, as
the angels do it now in heaven, namely--freely,
readily, cheerfully, delightfully, universally,
reverentially, and unweariedly, etc.
If he could have his choice, he would exercise
every grace, and perform every duty, with all
his might.
He sees so much excellency and beauty in God and
Christ, that he cannot be at rest until he is swallowed
up in the enjoyment of them. He sees so much excellency
in grace, that nothing but perfection of grace will satisfy
him. He makes perfection not only his utmost end--but
he also labors after perfection with his utmost strength
and endeavors.
Sermon Outline
- The Ideal Christian
- The Will of God
- Exercising Every Grace
- The Pursuit of Perfection
- Seeing Beauty in God and Christ
- Desiring Perfection
- Laboring After Perfection
- Heavenly
- Mortified
Key Quotes
“If he could have his choice, he would be as holy as God is holy; and as perfect as his heavenly Father is perfect.” — Thomas Brooks
“He sees so much excellency and beauty in God and Christ, that he cannot be at rest until he is swallowed up in the enjoyment of them.” — Thomas Brooks
“He makes perfection not only his utmost end--but he also labors after perfection with his utmost strength and endeavors.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- Strive to be humble, holy, and heavenly in your character.
- Do the will of God freely, readily, and cheerfully, like the angels in heaven.
- Labor after perfection with all your might, and make it your utmost end.