20. In diversity, seek peace, ensue it, so as to follow holiness
WESLEY:
But if you are afraid, and that not without reason, of schism, improperly so called, how much more afraid will you be, if your conscience is tender, of schism in the proper scriptural sense! O beware, I will not say of forming, but of countenancing or abetting any parties in a Christian society! Never encourage, much less cause, either by word or action, any division therein. In the nature of things, "there must be heresies," divisions, "among you;" but keep thyself pure. Leave off contention before it be meddled with: Shun the very beginning of strife. Meddle not with them that are given to dispute, with them that love contention. Follow peace with all men, without which you cannot effectually follow holiness. Not only "seek peace," but "ensue it:" If it seems to flee from you, pursue it nevertheless. "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."
PRAYER:
Romans 3:9 - ‘Basically, all of us, whether insiders or outsiders, start out in identical conditions, which is to say that we all start out as sinners. Scripture leaves no doubt about it: There’s nobody living right, not even one, nobody who knows the score, ..”’
Romans “This makes it clear, doesn’t it, that whatever is written in these Scriptures is not what God says about others but to us to whom these Scriptures were addressed in the first place!”
REFLECTION:
What is this “proper scriptural sense” of disaffiliation that Wesley speaks of? In previous points, Wesley spoke about a “requiring action” being put upon your conscience that you know is against God’s Will. Is it so hard to sit, pray and worship with other sinners? Why does Romans make clear that “we are all sinners”? So we can get clarity that it is God that sets things in reightness. It is not denominations, ordinances or policies. Yes, we humans need such rules to guide our behaviors. But such rules will never be the same as the Spirit of Grace flowing into our hearts as we sit with each others and embrace all sinners. Let me be clear as to what ‘action’ is being asked of me as organizations and authorities swirl in their ordinances for the sake of guiding the flock. I choose to follow holiness and faith in my Lord for I know that the Spirit will work thru all those changes. Do not be afraid and seek clarity, seek peace, ensue peace, and follow holiness (to be holy as God is holy). Oh how Great is my Lord!
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