Monday, September 7, 2015

rule 1

John Wesley's rule number one:  Do all the good that you can. 
What does this mean?

Wesley recognized that all of our life belongs to God.  Our time, talents and treasure are his.  It is not our time, it is not our talent and it is not our money.  As soon as we recognize that God has given us these things for His purposes not ours, the journey to healthy living begins.

How much of my time am I using to help others?  And I don't mean my family.  Helping your family is fine, but it is almost self interest.  Jesus expects us to help the least of these.  How much time have we used for them?  Do all the good that you can.

Talents.  We all have them.  We are not supposed to just use them for ourselves.  How can you use the gifts that you have to do good for others?  If you are good with money you might become a financial counselor for hillcrest ministries.  If you like to cook you might make food for the Westport homeless ministry.  If you can drive, you might volunteer to take sick people to the doctor or those who can't drive, to church.

Money.  How much of it do you use for yourself?  How much of it do you use to help others?  And I don't mean your family.  Helping your family has the scent of self interest.  How much of your money do you use to help the least of these?  What percentage?  There are countless missions programs that could steer your gifts to help the needy.

So, how are we doing?  How is my life?  Am I finding the joy?  Do all the good you can.  Every day, in every way to every person.  Wesley also said, do all the good that you can to all the people that you can in every way that you can.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

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