Singleness of Heart
A singleness of heart involves a sincere desire to do God's will, a cheerful spirit, and perseverance in the face of weakness and failure.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about true fidelity to God, emphasizing the importance of obeying God in all things, following His guidance and grace, and having the intention to please Him always. She encourages not to focus on distinctions between sins but to have a sincere desire to do God's will, with a cheerful spirit that perseveres through failures and weaknesses, always hoping to do better. Tileston stresses the need to move forward with singleness of heart, without dwelling on past mistakes, but looking ahead to progress in faith.
Text
He that in these things serveth Christ is accept.able to God, and approved of men.
--ROMANS 14:18
Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all Thy commandments.
--PSALMS 119:6
TRUE fidelity consists in obeying God in all things, and in following the light that points out our duty, and the grace which guides us; taking as our rule of life the intention to please God in all things, and to do always not only what is acceptable to Him, but, if possible, what is most acceptable; not trifling with petty distinctions between sins great and small, im.perfections and faults, for, though there may be such distinctions, they should have no weight with the soul that is determined to do all His will. To this sincere desire to do the will of God, we must add a cheerful spirit, that is not overcome when it has failed, but begins again and again to do better; hoping always to the very end to be able to do it; bearing with its own involuntary weakness, as God bears with it; waiting with patience for the moment when it shall be delivered from it; going straight on in singleness of heart, according to the strength that it can command; losing no time by looking back, nor making useless reflections upon its falls, which can only embarrass and retard its progress.
--FRANCOIS DE LA MOTHE FÉNELON
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Singleness of Heart
- The Key Elements of Singleness of Heart
- Overcoming Weakness and Failure
- Patience and Waiting for Deliverance
- Moving Forward in Faith
Key Quotes
“TRUE fidelity consists in obeying God in all things, and in following the light that points out our duty, and the grace which guides us;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“To this sincere desire to do the will of God, we must add a cheerful spirit, that is not overcome when it has failed, but begins again and again to do better;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Cultivate a sincere desire to do God's will in all things, without being distracted by petty distinctions or weaknesses.
- Persevere in your faith, despite failures, and trust in God's guidance and strength.
- Practice patience and wait for God's deliverance, trusting in His timing.