Thankfulness, Not Longing
The sermon emphasizes the importance of cultivating a thankful attitude in our daily lives, as it shapes our character and brings joy and positivity.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the dangers of longing for what we do not have, emphasizing the importance of being content with the blessings we already possess. She warns against wasting time by focusing on desires that lead us away from our own responsibilities and tasks. Tileston highlights the impact of our attitudes on our character, noting that gratitude for what we have cultivates a different spirit than constant longing for more.
Text
I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel.
--EXODUS 16:12
SAVE our blessings, Master, save
From the blight of thankless eye,
Teach us for all joys to crave
Benediction pure and high,
Own them given, endure them gone,
Shrink from their hardening touch, yet prize them won,
Prize them as rich odors meet
For love to lavish at His sacred feet.
--JOHN KEBLE
NOTHING so hinders us in what we are doing as to be longing after something else; in so doing, we leave off tilling our own field, to drive the plough through our neighbor's land, where we must not look to reap a harvest; and this is mere waste of time. If our thoughts and hopes are elsewhere, it is im.possible for us to set our faces steadily towards the work required of us.
--ST. FRANCIS DE SALES
One thing is indisputable: the chronic mood of looking longingly at what we have not, or thankfully at what we have, realizes two very different types of character. And we certainly can encourage the one or the other.
--LUCY C. SMITH
Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life.
--ALEXANDER MACLAREN
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Thankfulness
- The Dangers of Longing
- The Benefits of Thankfulness
- Encouraging a Positive Character
- Cultivating Joy and Gratitude
Key Quotes
“NOTHING so hinders us in what we are doing as to be longing after something else;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Teach us for all joys to crave Benediction pure and high,” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to cultivate a thankful attitude in your daily life by recognizing and appreciating the kindnesses of God.
- Avoid being distracted by longing for what you lack, and focus on the work required of you.
- Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of gratitude that brings positivity and joy to your life.