In 1786, as the founder of the United Methodist Denomination, John Wesley approached the twilight of his life; he looked toward the future of the Methodist movement and wondered what the future held for this great denomination that he built for God’s glory. He wondered how it would look a hundred years from now and wondered if it would be a vital part of one’s life.
In “Thoughts Upon Methodism,” Wesley wrote, “while Methodism might well continue for years to come, it ran the risk of becoming a ‘dead sect.’ What if this vital movement lost its amazing energy? What if it became a cold reflection of its original vital form and function, lacking the spiritual fire of the Holy Spirit that had activated it?” Wesley was not just concerned about his denomination, but rather the effect that the denomination would have on all people. He wanted the Methodist Church to stay active and to always be on fire with the Holy Spirit, to never become complacent, and yes willing to change if it meant bringing someone to know Christ Jesus.
When we look at our local churches do we still see these things evident in our own church? Many times we are willing to sacrifice this fire that Wesley talked about in order to keep doors open or to simply not have to make that dreaded change. But by doing so, we do what Wesley feared the most as we become complacent and unwilling to allow the very change into our local churches that created the great Methodist movement.
Wesley goes on to talk about yet another issue within the church when he says, “I fear, wherever riches have increased the essence of religion, the mind that was in Christ has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore, I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of true religion to continue long…How then, is it possible that Methodism, that is, the religion of the heart, though it flourishes now as a green bay tree, should continue in this state? Is there no way to prevent this?” Wesley continues to speak what most preachers won’t speak and goes on to answer his own question when he says: “There is one way, and there is no other under heaven. If those who gain all they can, and save all they can, will likewise give all they can, then the more they gain, the more they will grow in grace, and the more treasures they will lay up in heaven.”
Wesley, like me does not condemn the rich among us, but rather we condemn the attitudes that come from those riches and warn against such negative thoughts or attitudes. Would it be right for you or me to wish poverty upon a person simply because we do not have the same amount of wealth as they do? Of course it wouldn’t be right, nor would it be the Christian thing to do. When we begin to look at the money we posses as God’s money and that we are merely the stewards of that money, then and only then do we become the person God wants us to be.
Many times preachers shy away from money talk because it causes great turmoil in the church, but yet Jesus taught many times on the matter of wealth and the use of that wealth. He never denied anyone, he simply taught them to be wise with the money God blessed them with and made it a point to teach us that when we hold such things as our wealth higher than God himself, we fall into sin and then it’s not the money that is evil; rather it is us that become evil.
When we look at our local churches can we honestly say they are vital and posses that Holy Spirit fire that Wesley talks about? Are we giving God our first fruits to help fund that fire through ministry, or are we simply holding on to our wealth and claiming it as our own and waiting for the day when the pastor finally shuts his mouth about the subject and moves on. If this is your attitude I am deeply sorry for you; I am upon this earth to further God’s kingdom, what are you here for?
Will your church survive the next hundred years, and if it does will it be on fire for the Lord. A church on fire for the Lord will be evident to all people and we would all be wise to remember that we only have money because God gave it to you to start with! Selfishness and survival attitudes don’t belong in church or in a Christian’s life, so it’s your choice; Survival vs. Ministry? Wealth of this world vs. Wealth of Heaven? Our founding father John Wesley calls us to a life of sacrifice and action. And in case you don’t care about your heritage, God himself has called us to do the same thing! Just something to ponder!
Pastor Doug Mellott