Totes Oculus
A sincere Christian labors to approve himself to God in all places and times, seeking His approval above all else.
Thomas Brooks emphasizes the distinction between hypocrites and sincere Christians, using the nightingale as a metaphor for those who only perform well when being observed. He argues that a true believer seeks to please God at all times, regardless of whether anyone else is watching. Just as the sun shines brightly even when unseen, a sincere heart strives to do good for God's approval alone. The assurance of God's acknowledgment is sufficient for the faithful, providing them with joy and encouragement in their service. Ultimately, Brooks highlights the importance of a heart focused on God rather than on human recognition.
Text
They say of the nightingale, that when she is solitary in
the woods, she is careless of her melody; but when she
perceives that she has any auditors, or is near houses--then
she composes herself more harmoniously and elegantly.
Truly, this is the frame and temper of the best of hypocrites.
Oh! but a sincere Christian labors in all places, and in all
times, to approve himself to God. He labors as much to
approve himself to God in a forest, where no eye sees him
--as he does when the eyes of thousands are fixed upon him.
The sun would shine bright, though all men were asleep at
high noon, and no eyes open to see the glory of his beams.
Just so, a sincere heart will shine, he will labor to do good;
though all the world should shut their eyes; yet he will eye
his work, and eye his God. He knows that God is totes
oculus--all eye, and therefore he cares not though others
have never an eye to observe him, to applaud him. Let God
but secretly whisper to him in the ear, and say, "Well done,
good and faithful servant!" and it is enough to his soul,
enough to satisfy him, enough to cheer him, and enough
to encourage him in the ways and the work of his God.
Sermon Outline
- The Frame of Hypocrites
- The Labor of a Sincere Christian
- The Sufficiency of God's Approval
- God is all-seeing and all-knowing
- Sincere hearts shine despite external circumstances
Key Quotes
“He labors as much to approve himself to God in a forest, where no eye sees him--as he does when the eyes of thousands are fixed upon him.” — Thomas Brooks
“He knows that God is totes Oculus--all eye, and therefore he cares not though others have never an eye to observe him, to applaud him.” — Thomas Brooks
“Let God but secretly whisper to him in the ear, and say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!' and it is enough to his soul, enough to satisfy him, enough to cheer him, and enough to encourage him in the ways and the work of his God.” — Thomas Brooks
Application Points
- A Christian should strive to approve himself to God in all places and times, not just when others are watching.
- God's approval is sufficient to satisfy and encourage a Christian, even when no one else is observing.
- A Christian's commitment to God should be unwavering, regardless of external circumstances.