Sermon Illustrations
BALANCE
“Maturing Christians must seek to hold both the mission of evangelism and the mission of compassion in balance in their lives. Most of us have the tendency to emphasize one of these commissions of Christ and neglect the other. Persons can become over zealous for evangelism or for some form of social action, thereby distorting the essential lifestyle to which Christ calls us. It is quite appropriate that some persons may be far more gifted and involved in one of these areas than the other, but they must strive to give their full endorsement and support to both areas. Every Christian, whatever his or her area of interest and gifts, however, is called both to overt acts of mercy and to be ready to give expression with gentleness and reverence to the faith that is in him.”
—From “A Shared Adventure: The Dynamics of a Discipline Church,” by James R. Tozer; C.S.S. Publishing Company, 1984. Volume 50, No. 2 of Monday Morning magazine, January 21, 1985