Think of the Identifying Marks of a Methodist

 

 

Think of them ... the marks that identify you. What are they?  

If you're a student, a politician, an athlete, a musician, a Buddhist, a Muslim or a Christian, what characteristics identify you as such?  What marks you as a disciple of Jesus Christ? What are the distinguishing marks of Christ's followers?

I've been reading John Wesley's works and decided to extend to you a few brief statements he offered to explain, in part, what a "Methodist" really is. Note the name "Methodist" was "fixed upon them by way of reproach." The first "Methodists" didn't claim the distinction; others noted their ways and branded them "Methodist." 

To explain why he was writing, Wesley wrote...

SINCE the name first came abroad into the world, many have been at a loss to know what a Methodist is; what are the principles and the practice of those who are commonly called by that name; and what the distinguishing marks of this sect, "which is everywhere spoken against."

And it being generally believed, that I was able to give the clearest account of these things, (as having been one of the first to whom that name was given, and the person by whom the rest were supposed to be directed,) I have been called upon, in all manner of ways, and with the utmost earnestness, so to do. I yield at last to the continued importunity both of friends and enemies; and do now give the clearest account I can, in the presence of the Lord and Judge of heaven and earth, of the principles and practice whereby those who are called Methodists are distinguished from other men.

I say those who are called Methodists; for, let it be well observed, that this is not a name which they take to themselves, but one fixed upon them by way of reproach, without their approbation or consent. 

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And to clarify, in part, his definition of a Methodist, Wesley wrote...

"What then is the mark? Who is a Methodist, according to your own account?" I answer: A Methodist is one who has "the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given unto him;" one who "loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, and with all his strength. God is the joy of his heart, and the desire of his soul; which is constantly crying out, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee! My God and my all! Thou art the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever!"

He is therefore happy in God, yea, always happy, as having in him "a well of water springing up into everlasting life," and overflowing his soul with peace and joy. "Perfect love" having now "cast out fear," he "rejoices evermore." 

 

Mark 12:30  -  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

Comments

[Timothy Bath]

Thanks Mark.

[John Meunier]

Love to see another United Methodist pastor quoting Wesley. May more of us listen to his teaching.

[Church building]

Is there such a thing as a reformed methodist?

Is such a thing possible?

If a church were to change so that it could properly be called 'reformed', would it by definition cease to be 'methodist'?