Some book introductions can provide a wealth of information about the author. In 1980, a collection of writings by A.W. Tozer was assembled and titled “A Treasury of A.W. Tozer.”
In the book’s introduction, it was said of Tozer, “Tozer marched to a different drummer; and for that reason, he was usually out of step with many of the people in the religious parade.” It was also said of Tozer, “He was not afraid to tell us what was wrong.”
As the introduction continued, his background and impact were noted: “Tozer did not enjoy the privilege of a university or seminary training, or even a Bible School education for that matter; yet he has left us a shelf of books that will be mined for their spiritual wealth until the Lord returns.”
What set Tozer apart from many of his contemporaries was his fearlessness in writing about issues many shied away from. His lack of formal education was also part of his freedom, enabling him to write beyond the bounds of what was acceptable to an institution that would have trained him.
When we no longer allow fear to rule our hearts, God can do great things through us, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual courage that will become a testimony to encourage others long after we have gone.
Scripture tells us that “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18), even the fear of what others think about us. The Lord will use our fearlessness to challenge the limitations that others have placed on their faith and demand that we do the same.
Tozer wrote from a place of freedom that demonstrated a perfected understanding of love that didn’t worry about what other people thought of him or the content of his writing. Tozer’s books were written with the pen of the perfected love of God. As a result, what Tozer wrote will have a timeless application in the Church because faith, not fear, directed his pen.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Garris Elkins
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