Our Christianity today can be put into very positive terms a lot of the time, but are their hidden dangers. This weeks author who wrote Christian Perfection thinks so. John Wesley is the well known as a founding father of modern Methodism. His work is practical advice for those seeking perfection. This however did not mean to Wesley that we had become sinless but had desire to be fully in love God with one's whole heart, soul,mind and strength.The first of his dangers is Pride:
He states that the advice he would give to those who are saved by grace was watch and pray continually against pride. For it is pride not only to ascribe what we have to ourselves, but also think we have what we do not. I find this last part of the statement really interesting that we think we have what we do not. I think this is a very real potential for the modern church. We think we are in a better place than we possibly are. Certainly food for thought there.
The second of his dangers is enthusiasm:
I must admit I was a little perplexed when I first read the title of enthusiasm. However reading on made more sense.
He entitled enthusiasm the daughter of pride is enthusiasm where ascribe everything to God , supposing visions dreams and voices to special revelations that God has given you. While they may be from God they may also be from the Devil. He stressed the need to test every spirit. I can attest to this one I once bought a car because of a dream and it ended up costing us a fortune in the long run. possibly not from God. Because I usually didn't have dreams I could remember I assume it it was from God..................maybe not, may be just a little over enthusiastic.
I have only chosen a couple more as being relevant to todays church.
Next we have the dangers of Sins of Omission:
This is avoiding doing good when we have the opportunity......................according to Wesley we need to zealous for good works Give no place to laziness. Are we lazy in the outworking of our faith? A Sound and important question................. Faith without works is dead - James
The last danger for today is desiring to do anything but God.
Jesus said "If your eye remains single your whole body will be full of light"
Do not allow the desire for tasteful food or other pleasures of the senses to rule you, the desire of pleasing of the eye or imagination, the desire for money praise or power to rule you. While you have the ability to feel these desires, you are not compelled to feel them Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made you free. In an age where distractions abound it is good advice to put Christ in the centre of our lives. It kind of goes with Paul's statement all things are permissible, but not all are useful. The key statement for me in Wesley's thoughts are the three words to rule over you. With Jesus Christ at the Centre that can not happen, however with ourselves at the centre distractions can easily reign over us.
These may seem old fashioned thoughts but are indeed wisdom that the modern church would benefit from. May be we should be looking for perfection in Wesley's terms.
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