Pastor Cara Shonomon
I re-read a book today and it is such a good one. It is a book that I think and hope I will re-read often in my life as a reminder of what it means to follow Christ. It is titled, “Three Simple Rules: A Wesleyan Way of Living.” The three rules are:
- Do No Harm
- Do Good
- Stay in Love with God
In the introduction the author, Rueben P. Job, said:
“John Wesley anticipated times like these, and he knew that everyone needs help to live a holy and good life in a world like ours.”
So, John Wesley came up with something called the “General Rules.” These “simple rules…transformed and gave new life to women and men…”
The author goes on to say, “the three simple rules in themselves are contemporary and exceptionally well suited to our time, our culture and our needs today.”
Here is one quote from each chapter. There are so many that I could include, but here is just a sampling of this excellent little book.
Do No Harm
“When I am determined to do no harm to you, I lose my fear of you; and I am able to see you and hear you more clearly.”
Do Good
“The words of Jesus and of Wesley suggest that doing good is a universal command. That is, doing good is not limited to those like me or those who like me. Doing good is directed at everyone, even those who do not fit my category of ‘worthy’ to receive any good that I or others can direct their way. This command is also universal in that no one is exempt from it. Doing good, like doing no harm, is a proactive way of living. I do not need to wait to be asked to do some good deed or provide some needed help.”
Stay in Love with God
“Holy living will not be discovered, achieved, continued, and sustained without staying in love with God. And while staying in love with God involves prayer, worship, study, and the Lord’s Supper, it also involves feeding the lambs, tending the sheep, and providing for the needs of others (John 21:15-16). Feeding the lambs and tending the sheep are the signs of love that we exchange with God. And they are signs of the love that the world can understand. Spiritual disciplines not only include practices that bind us to God every day but they also include actions that heal the pain, injustice, and inequality of our world. It is impossible to stay in love with God and not desire to see God’s goodness and grace shared with the entire world.”
May we be people who are committed to living holy and good lives by following these "Three Simple Rules." May the world know us by our love and may it be evident that we, Do No Harm, Do Good, and always Stay in Love with God!Grace and Peace,
Pastor Cara
Contact:
(913) 631-5555
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