Common Faithfulness
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and perfection in everyday life, even in small things, and encourages listeners to exercise love and self-sacrifice.
Mary Wilder Tileston emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in both small and large matters, highlighting that our actions in seemingly insignificant tasks reflect our character. She challenges believers to strive for perfection in their conduct, mirroring the perfection of God the Father in heaven. Tileston encourages a life of love and selflessness, where even the smallest actions can be opportunities to demonstrate love towards others and God.
Text
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
LUKE 16:10
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
MATTHEW 5:48
PERFECTION in outward conduct consists not in extraordinary things; but in doing common things extraordinarily well. Neglect nothing; the most trivial action may be performed to ourselves, or performed to God. If love be in your heart, your whole life may be one continual exercise of it. Oh, if we did but love others! How easily the least thing, the shutting of a door gently, the walking softly, speaking low, not making a noise, or the choice of a seat, so as to leave the most convenient to others, might become occasions of its exercise.
MÈRE ANGÉLIQUE ARNAULD
HE is wont to carry on His hidden dealings with the soul by means of what we should call very little things. He requires an absolute purity of heart in those with whom He vouchsafes to dwell, and a spirit of self-sacrifice which is ever ready to offer all things, however seemingly small, to Him.
ABBÉ GUILLORÉ
Sermon Outline
- Faithfulness in Small Things
- Perfection in Everyday Life
- Love in the Heart
- God's Hidden Dealings
- God uses small things to work in our souls
- Purity of heart and self-sacrifice required
Key Quotes
“He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“He requires an absolute purity of heart in those with whom He vouchsafes to dwell,” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Make a conscious effort to be faithful in small things, such as doing your daily chores or being on time.
- Practice self-sacrifice by putting others' needs before your own, even in small ways.
- Cultivate a spirit of love and kindness in your daily interactions with others.