|
DEVOTION
Opening Prayer
Almighty God, you have sent Jesus to show us how to live. Grant us the power of your Holy Spirit so that we may follow him in faithfulness all the days of our lives. AMEN.
Introduction
The Character of a Methodist – John Wesley
John Wesley wrote this 5-part essay in response to all the rumors and accusations which were made about the Methodists in England in 1741. Methodists were growing in numbers and energy and the established Church of England was seeking to blunt their growth. There had been several generations of religious upheavals in England starting in the 1600’s and a new religious movement and revival was seen by many as dangerous. Wesley is offering definition to Methodists folks and assurance to others. His lead statements might seem obvious, but they were needed for clarification in Wesley’s England. Methodists were a movement within the Church of England, not yet a denomination. That would not happen for another 43 years in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Chapter 3 – What Methodists Are, Part 2
A Methodist Loves People
“A Methodist always exercises his love to God by praying without ceasing, rejoicing always, and giving thanks in everything. But at the same time, this commandment is written on his heart: ‘The one who loves God loves his brother or sister also.’” (16). Wesley always commends this connection between loving God and loving others. Loving others extends beyond family, friends and acquaintances. “Nothing stops his love, no matter whether he doesn’t know the person, or he knows the person is not the kind he approves of, or even if the person is one who repays hatred for his goodwill. He loves his enemies. He even loves the enemies of God, the evil and unthankful.” (16).
A Methodist is Pure in Heart
“The love of God has purified her heart from revenge, envy, malice, anger and every evil thought and unkind emotion. God’s love has cleansed her from pride and haughtiness of spirit, which only lead to arguments.” Wesley is inclusive of all people, even though the pronouns are particular. Wesley is commending our behavior be that outlined by Paul to the early church. “All she/he desires is God, and the remembrance of God’s name.” (17).
A Methodist Seeks to Please God
“Therefore, a Methodist’s one desire, the one design of his life, is not to do his own will, but the will of God who sent him. His one intention at all times and in all things is not to please himself, but to please God whom he loves. He has a single focus.” (18). Wesley is promoting a faith centered perspective on life. Trust God. Seek God. Love God. This is in contrast to self-seeking, self-promoting and self-righteous living. “Every thought that arises points to God, and obeys the Law of Christ.” (18)
A Methodist Keeps God’s Commandments
“A tree is known by its fruit. Because a Methodist loves God, she keeps God’s commandments. Not only some, or most of them, but every one, from the smallest to the greatest…. She runs to follow God’s commandments, because her heart has been set free. It’s her glory to live this way.” (18). Wesley realizes the bondage of sin and the freedom of God’s grace for our lives. In Wesley’s time the world was promoting “Freedom of thought and action” and diminishes the restraints and burdens of religion. Wesley was pushing back and turning the argument upside down. The world is burdensome and limiting. In God’s grace is freedom. Sin is burden. Forgiveness and mercy bring forgiveness.
REFLECTION
Being a Methodist is to “earnestly” seek God and “Walk the walk if you talk the talk.” Wesley understood that this was a different way to live and would be difficult to accomplish. It was possible and it was worthwhile. FAITH is critical. An engaged and active faith which is daily nourished and sustained is the source of the strength of the Holy Spirit needed to resist the world’s false ways and follow Jesus daily. The world is deceitful and leads to sin. Wesley is promoting a life built on the life of Jesus. Wesley is encouraging that we live as Jesus called the first disciples to live. He is speaking against the philosophies of Altruism, Hedonism, Humanism and Deism which were popular in England in his day. These philosophies still abound today, sometimes under new names but the same old ideas. Nihilism is the new philosophical threat today. It comes from Russia in the 1900. “Nihilism is the belief that not only is there no intrinsic meaning in the universe, but that it’s pointless to try to construct our own as a substitute.” (Internet).
There is always meaning and purpose because there is a loving God who is seeking us, to love us and pour out grace and mercy into of our lives. We are not the center of the universe. God is. God’s grace is sufficient and is expressed in Jesus and known to us in our daily lives. God is with us.
Closing Prayer
Live today in Christ’s presence, remembering he is near and will sustain you as you serve in his name. AMEN.
Blessings
Pastor Tom
| 
