The Correct Perspective
To live a life of purpose and fulfillment, one must align their work with God's will and perform it with a sole aim to His glory.
Mary Wilder Tileston, preaching on John 4:34, emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God and finishing His work without complaint. She highlights the significance of working diligently and with a focus on God's glory rather than personal gain or pleasure. Tileston addresses the internal struggles and guilt that arise from not aligning one's work with God's purpose, stressing the need for order and a sole aim towards God in all endeavors.
Text
My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.
--JOHN 4:34
THEY who tread the path of labor follow where My feet have trod;
They who work without complaining do the holy will of God.
--HENRY VAN DYKE
WHENCE comes it that we have so many com.plaints, each saying that his occupation is a hin.drance to him, while notwithstanding his work is of God, who hindereth no man? Whence comes this in.ward reproof and sense of guilt which torment and disquiet you? Dear children, know that it is not your work which gives you this disquiet. No; it is your want of order in fulfilling your work. If you per.formed your work in the right method, with a sole aim to God, and not to yourselves, your own likes and dislikes, nor sought your own gain or pleasure, but only God's glory, in your work, it would be impossible that it should grieve your conscience. It is a shame for a man if he have not done his work properly, but so imperfectly that he has to be rebuked for it. For this is a sure sign that his works are not done in God, with a view to His glory and the good of his neighbor.
--JOHN TAULER
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Labor
- The Source of Complaints
- The Path to Order
- Performing Work for God's Glory
- Order in Fulfilling Work
Key Quotes
“My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“They who tread the path of labor follow where My feet have trod;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“They who work without complaining do the holy will of God.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Perform your work with a sole aim to God's glory and the good of your neighbor.
- Prioritize selfless motivations over personal gain or pleasure.
- Seek to follow God's will in all aspects of your life.