Detachment
True detachment is being at peace in all places and among all persons, with God present in our minds and will.
W.R. Inge preaches about the importance of carrying God with us in all circumstances, emphasizing that when we submit our will entirely to God, He is united with us in all our purposes and designs, making us unstoppable. In every situation, whether in solitude or among a crowd, we should strive to maintain a constant connection with God in our minds, will, and affections. True peace and unity come from having God with us at all times, allowing us to navigate through life's challenges without being hindered by anyone or anything.
Text
THE man who has submitted his will and purposes entirely to God, carries God with him in all his works and in all circumstances. Therein can no man hinder him, for he neither aims at nor enjoys anything else, save God. God is united with Him in all his purposes and designs. Even as no manifoldness can dissipate God, so nothing can dissipate such a man, or destroy his unity. Man, therefore, should take God with him in all things; God should be always present to his mind and will and affections. The same disposition that thou hast in church or in thy cell, thou shouldst keep and maintain in a crowd, and amid the unrest and manifoldness of the world.
Some people pride themselves on their detachment from mankind, and are glad to be alone or in church; and therein lies their peace. But he who is truly in the right state, is so in all circumstances, and among all persons; he who is not in a good state, it is not right with him in all places and among all persons. He who is as he should be has God with him in truth, in all places and among all persons, in the street as well as in the church; and then no man can hinder him. (547)
It is often much harder for a man to be alone in a crowd than in the desert; and it is often harder to leave a small thing than a great, and to practise a small work than one which people consider very great. (565)
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Unity with God
- Maintaining Unity in a World of Distractions
- True Detachment and Peace
- Being at peace in all places and among all persons
- Having God with us in truth, in all places and among all persons
Key Quotes
“The man who has submitted his will and purposes entirely to God, carries God with him in all his works and in all circumstances.” — W.R. Inge
“God is united with Him in all his purposes and designs.” — W.R. Inge
“He who is truly in the right state, is so in all circumstances, and among all persons;” — W.R. Inge
Application Points
- We should strive to maintain our unity with God in all circumstances, even in the midst of distractions.
- True detachment is not about being alone, but about being at peace in all places and among all persons.
- We should focus on keeping God present in our minds and will, rather than letting our surroundings dictate our state.