In his famous work Christian Perfection, John Wesley gives practical advice to those who wish to move towards perfection. For this great Methodist preacher, perfection did not mean a state of sinlessness, rather it was a desire to be fully in love with God with all of one’s heart, soul, mind and strength. Some good advice for those of us about to enter into the Paschal msytery. Here are two short excerpts from his writings.
The Danger of Pride
“The first advice I would give to those who have been saved from sin by grace is to watch and pray continually against pride. For it is pride not only to ascribe what we have to ourselves, but also to think we have what we do not. One man, for instance, ascribed his knowledge to God and was therefore humble. But then he thought he had more than everyone else which is dangerous pride.
“We often think that we have no need of anyone else’s advice or reproof. Always remember, much grace does not imply much enlightenment. We may be wise but have little love, or we may have love with little wisdom. God wisely joined us all together as the parts of the body so that we cannot say to another, “I have no need of you.”
“Even to imagine that those who are not saved cannot teach you is a very great and serious mistake. Dominion is not found in grace. Not observing this has led some into many mistakes and certainly into pride. Beware even the appearance of pride! Let there be in you the lowly mind which was in Christ Jesus. Be clothed with humility. Let modesty appear in your words and actions.
“One way we do this is to own any fault we have. If you have at any time thought, spoken, or acted wrong, do not refrain from acknowledging it. Never dream, that this will hurt the cause of God – in fact, it will further it. Be open and honest when you are rebuked and do not seek to evade it or disguise it. Rather, let it appear just as it is and you will thereby not hinder but adorn the gospel.
The Danger of Desiring Anything but God
“Also, beware of desiring anything other than God. Jesus said: “If your eye remains single your whole body shall be full of light.” Do not allow the desire for tasteful food or any other pleasure of the senses, the desire of pleasing the eye or the imagination, the desire for money or the praise of power, to rule you.
“Be an example to all of denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. Let others see that you are not interested in any pleasure that does not bring you nearer to God, nor regard any pain which does. Let them see that you simply aim to please God in everything. Let the language of your heart sing out with regard to pleasure or pain, riches or poverty, honor or dishonor, ‘All’s alike to me, so I in my Lord may live and die!’” (John Wesley, The Works of John Wesley. Edited by Albert C. Outler. Nashville: Abingdon, 1984)
Love One Another - Brian
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