The backslider likes the preaching that wouldn't hit the side of a house, while the real disciple is delighted when the truth brings him to his knees.
Interpretation
This quote contrasts the indifference of those avoiding truth with the appreciation of those seeking genuine understanding.
Billy Sunday's quote reflects on the difference between those who shy away from genuine truths and the disciples who embrace them, even if it means facing uncomfortable realities. It suggests that true seekers of wisdom value the moral and spiritual revelations that can challenge or humble them, as opposed to those who prefer superficial teachings that do not provoke change or growth.
In practice
This quote would be perfect for a sermon discussing the importance of accepting difficult truths in one's faith journey.
Whenever a day comes when I can stand and preach God's Word without an agony of anxiety lest the people will not accept Christ; whenever a day comes when I can see men and women coming down the aisles without joy in my heart, I'll quit preaching.
Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.
The saloon is a liar. It promises good cheer and sends sorrow.
I don't believe there are devils enough in hell to pull a boy out of the arms of a godly mother.
The trouble with many men is that they have got just enough religion to make them miserable. If there is not joy in religion, you have got a leak in your religion.
The church is not a dormitory for sleepers, it is an institution for workers; it is not a rest camp, it is a front line trench.
As the water shapes itself to the vessel that contains it, so a wise man adapts himself to circumstances.
Blessed be his name, who hath appointed the quiet night to follow the busy day, and the calm sleep to refresh the wearied limbs and to compose the troubled spirit.
Toleration is the greatest gift of the mind.
Ideas are the easy part. I spend a lot of time batting them away, trying to keep them from distracting me from what I actually have to focus on and finish. A lot of times, they are a siren temptress beckoning me with the promise of a much shorter, simpler, more slender novel over the horizon, but of course that's very dangerous.
He is the best preacher, not that tickles the ear, but that breaks the heart.
Poverty is uncomfortable; but nine times out of ten the best thing that can happen to a young man is to be tossed overboard and compelled to sink or swim.
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