MEDITATION:
Written by John Wesley (1703-1791), a pastor, theologian, and writer who developed the practice of Methodism while at Oxford. This is an excerpt from his book “Christian Perfection.”
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 has wisely joined us all together as the parts of a body so that we cannot say to another, “I have no need of you.” Even to imagine that those who are not saved can not 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 that lowly mind which was in Christ Jesus. Be clothed with humility. Let modesty appear in all 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.
PRAYER:
Written by Michael Perry (1942-1996), a British clergyman and hymn writer.
Lord God,
keep our hearts from pride,
keep our eyes from haughty looks,
keep our minds from arrogance,
keep our spirits calm –
in childlike dependence upon you: for you are our hope now and always. Amen.
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