A Plain Account

Bo Cassell writes a paraphrase of John Wesley's Plain Account of Christian Perfection. The two lists below are from that book.

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Here are a couple of areas that I find to be challenging and helpful and go with the holiness message that God gave for this past Sunday.

We have to be continually aware of our heart condition. It is easy to forget to evaluate where we are spiritually. Paul references these six areas that may draw us away from God, if we let them.

1. Conversations that don't build up others or offer grace

2. Falling back into bitterness or an attitude of unkindness

3. By rage, continually putting others down, lack of tenderness

4. By anger or lack of immediate forgiveness

5. By speaking harshly, or using rough, hurtful language

6. Speaking evil, gossip, hurtful stories, needlessly talking about the faults of another behind their back

 

My prayer this week for each of you is that we, as a church family, continue to hold ourselves up before God as the mirror of His image. That we continually be looking to be renewed into the image of God. That perfect image that at first may reflect with a "dingy" type of reflection but ultimately, through adopting His perfect love, an incredible, righteous reflection. The Imago Dei. The image of our God. Our Lord.

 

John Wesley gave advice on what to do to not only to walk with the perfect love of God in your heart, but also to grow in that love.

 

Advice:

1. Watch and pray against pride. (example, not willing to own up to our mistakes and faults)

2. Don't get carried away with excitement. Stick to scripture. Search them! Know them.

3. Don't sit and soak up God's blessings. Do something with them.

4. Sin of Omission - not doing something you know is right. Inviting people to church, telling them about Jesus, Be active in God's work. Do good. Live out Love.

5. Desire nothing but God. Deny yourself and take up your cross daily.

6. Build unity.

7. Be an example for others.

 

I have been thinking lately, and maybe I've already shared this, that it would be an honor that when I die this physical death, that as an epitaph the words "He Died Daily" would be true and valid for my life.

 

"Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves?" Luke 9:23-25

 

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