Weekly Grind - Stay In Love With God
In the last couple of weeks I have explored some of the foundational writing of John and Charles Wesley's The Nature,Design, and General Rules of Our United Societies. They give many specific actions for how we should act toward ourselves, toward others, and toward God and also how we should conduct ourselves together in the interest of following Christ. As Rueben Job paraphrased them in Three Simple Rules: "1) Do no harm...2) Do good...3) Stay in love with God."
As the Wesley's originally put it: "It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced...
Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all... Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God"
So now, after looking at the first two in more depth, here is what I originally planned to write about:
Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God; such are:
The public worship of God.
The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded.
The Supper of the Lord.
Family and private prayer.
Searching the Scriptures.
Fasting or abstinence.
As we saw in the first two rules or expectations, there are many details in which we can focus the efforts of our daily lives. As is the case earlier, the Wesley's give guidelines and advice for public and private actions in regard to practices or commands given by God. The first three of this list can be accomplished by regularly attending Sunday worship services, but they can go much further. We don't have to wait for Sunday morning to worship God. When people see by the way we conduct ourselves at school, at work, or in other social situations, we are giving evidence to our level of commitment to God. If worship, hearing scripture and a sermon, and sharing in communion do not create a difference in our lives outside our church building, we may need to think about what we are doing when we are there.
The next three points are more internal. Praying on a regular basis by ourselves and with our families can be incredibly transformational. As a friend of mine said, "It's hard to be mad at someone you just prayed for." Sunday School classes and bible study groups are a great way to learn more about scripture, but there is nothing stopping any of us from reading scripture at any time. I would encourage us all to be engaged in a couple of groups that look at scripture in different ways. The multiple points of view and discussions create opportunities for much deeper understanding than any one setting can. Lent has brought fasting or perhaps some temporary abstinence to many of us. I would encourage you to look at it as an opportunity to experience life in a different way rather that simply something to endure. The point is not to see if you can get through it, but to look for God in a different way.
Be Blessed!
Michael
As the Wesley's originally put it: "It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced...
Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all... Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God"
So now, after looking at the first two in more depth, here is what I originally planned to write about:
Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God; such are:
The public worship of God.
The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded.
The Supper of the Lord.
Family and private prayer.
Searching the Scriptures.
Fasting or abstinence.
As we saw in the first two rules or expectations, there are many details in which we can focus the efforts of our daily lives. As is the case earlier, the Wesley's give guidelines and advice for public and private actions in regard to practices or commands given by God. The first three of this list can be accomplished by regularly attending Sunday worship services, but they can go much further. We don't have to wait for Sunday morning to worship God. When people see by the way we conduct ourselves at school, at work, or in other social situations, we are giving evidence to our level of commitment to God. If worship, hearing scripture and a sermon, and sharing in communion do not create a difference in our lives outside our church building, we may need to think about what we are doing when we are there.
The next three points are more internal. Praying on a regular basis by ourselves and with our families can be incredibly transformational. As a friend of mine said, "It's hard to be mad at someone you just prayed for." Sunday School classes and bible study groups are a great way to learn more about scripture, but there is nothing stopping any of us from reading scripture at any time. I would encourage us all to be engaged in a couple of groups that look at scripture in different ways. The multiple points of view and discussions create opportunities for much deeper understanding than any one setting can. Lent has brought fasting or perhaps some temporary abstinence to many of us. I would encourage you to look at it as an opportunity to experience life in a different way rather that simply something to endure. The point is not to see if you can get through it, but to look for God in a different way.
Be Blessed!
Michael
posted by McHonza at 12:53 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home