Three Simple Rules (Part Seven) Review & Conclusion
For the past six weeks we’ve been exploring what it means to live by the “Three Simple Rules” as preached and practiced by John Wesley, as published in the United Methodist Book of Discipline, and explained and expanded in the book “Three Simple Rules, a Wesleyan Way of Living” written by Ruben P. Job.
We began by talking about rules. Rules. Generally speaking, when we hear the word “rules” we have a tendency to put up our guard. Generally speaking, we really don’t like the concept of “rules.” At least when they apply to us or when we are required to live by some rule that somehow restricts or restrains us… such as obeying speed limits, or how about this one, paying taxes? On the other hand, when someone else is “violating” a rule, especially if it’s a rule that affords us some personal benefit or protection, we are quick to point out his or her violation!
Therefore, we understand the world, our culture, our families… all have rules, and without rules, our world would be in anarchy, chaos. Nevertheless, rules, regulations and such must be reasonable, and within our human ability to comply. More importantly, rules, if they are to be beneficial to all, to the community, must be humane.
Unfortunately, in the reality of the world today, we can find too many places where the “rules” are rules of abuse and cruelty. When the government leaders impose these kinds of rules, which all too often are intended for personal gain, anarchy, chaos follow.
We have explored another reality. I pray we have come to understand there are three simple rules that have the power to change the world. These rules have been around since ancient times, yet, seldom fully tested. When, and where practiced, they changed the world of things as they were. Changed and shaken until a new formation, a new world came to be... The Wesleyan movement is a prime example of this new creation, formed when these three simple rules were and can be today, adopted as a way of living.
We acknowledge we live in a crazy world. How the world has changed over the years. It truly is a “world economy.” We have access to world events unfolding as they happen. It is a fast –paced and complex world and we can easily buy into the belief that we’re trapped into being someone we do not want to be…not living the life we desire. During these past weeks, I pray we can begin at least, to realize we can be a part of the solution not the problem. There is a way to overcome the stuff that causes disagreement and/or hostility, the kind of stuff that separates, sometimes makes fun of us, disrespects, diminishes and leaves us wounded and feeling incomplete.
When asked which commandment was the most important, Jesus responded… “you shall love the Lord you God with all your heart, and with all you soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.” The second is this. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”…There is not other commandment greater than these.”
In Jesus’ words, we find the foundation and instruction for the faithful and good life of every age. Jesus command is both simple and profound…. His words describe the very foundation of what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus
We now understand how the words sound easy, and how we understand them without difficulty… yet…. We also realize the actions they command are indeed challenging! None-the-less, that commandment remains a guide to the highest form of faithfulness and continues today, to hold the promise of a way of life both rewarding and fruitful in furthering God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven…
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church, in a time much like our own today realized the importance of Jesus commandment... He took this blueprint, put it into simple terms, three simple rules, taught it, and practiced it. Now… it is up to us to see if we will take it, teach it, and practice it until it becomes our natural way of living… a way of living that will mark our lives together and our lives as individual Christians.
Before we are Methodist, or any other Christian denomination, we are Christians! This understanding is essential to follow Jesus commandment. Some already practice this way of living, and I believe many more are ready to try it. The task sounds easy. However, the challenge, the challenge to follow these three rules is difficult indeed.
Three simple rules: 1 – Do No Harm.
2 – Do Good
3 – Stay In Love With God.
So the question for us this morning is: What have we learned? Are we really measuring up to our calling as “children of God?” Are we discovering a better way for us to practice our faith? A way so simple and yet substantial that none are turned away and all are able to practice as together we pursue our quest for faithful living. Are we the living answer to the prayer of Jesus…? “Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.
Can we look at one another and see movement toward or oneness in Christ? Do others look at us and see God at work in our life together? Is our way of living life giving rather than life draining? Is our way of living one that will enhance the quality of life of each of us for as long as we live?
The first simple rule, “Do no harm”. When we remember to follow this first rule, it keeps us from uttering a wrong word or considering a wrong response. When we really practice this first simple step, it provides a safe place while we do the hard work, the faithful work of discernment. When we agree we will not harm those with whom we disagree… conversation, dialogue, and discovery of new insights become possible… When we guard our lives by this first simple rule…we have time and space to think about consequences before we speak a word or an action taken.
(THE BULLET ANALOGY)
So, what does doing no harm looks like? I no longer gossip about the conflict. I no longer speak disparagingly... or judgmentally about those involved in the conflict. I no longer manipulate the facts of the conflict. I no longer diminish those who don’t agree with me and I honor each as a child of God. “I WILL GUARD MY LIPS, MY MIND AND MY HEART SO THAT MY LANGUAGE WILL NOT RIDICULE, INJURE OR WOUND ANOTHER CHILD OF GOD. I WILL DO NO HARM EVEN IN THE HEAT OF DEBATE, WHILE I SEEK A COMMON GOOD.”
(The “Dirty Brick” rule @ Summer Games… the results…the comments of the campers. How it applies to our daily lives as adults….as Christians…. As Disciples.)
Next, we move on to “Do Good.” We looked at and reflected on Jesus’ words: “But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you” (Luke 6: 27-28) We began to realize, this is tougher than it sounds…these “simple” rules.
We examined Wesley’s words recorded in his publication “The Character of a Methodist,”
…this commandment is written in his heart, “That he who loveth God, love his brother also.” And he accordingly loves his neighbor as himself; He loves every man as his own soul. His heart is full of love to all mankind, to every child of “the Father of the spirits of all flesh.” That a man is not personally known to him, is no bar to his love; no, nor that he is known to be such as he approves not, that he repays hatred for his good-will. For he “loves his enemies;” yea, and the enemies of God, “the evil and the unthankful.” And if it be not in his power to “do good to them that hate him,” yet he ceases not to pray for them… (The Character of a Methodist,” in Works, Vol. 8 page 33.
We now understand this is no small task. Doing no harm, doing good… this requires careful and constant assessment of our lives and the world in which we live. “Doing good” we came to realize, is even harder than not doing harm to those who may disagree with me and even seek to do harm to me.
This requires we commit ourselves to seeking good for everyone in our world and everyone in God’s world. Even those little things like cutting in ahead of us in traffic, to the large offenses, such as considering us less than a child of God. These offenses can never move us outside the circle of goodness that flows from God to us and through us to the world. We must measure everything we do or say thorough the love and will of God to determine if its purpose does indeed bring good and goodness to all it touches.
A “Summer Games” we created a “safe place” for children to come to, to have a wonderful time without fear of judgment, and all the while learning about the love of Jesus while experiencing that love from all the adults and huddle leaders, and eventually, each other.
It was doing good.
I shared with you how God touched my heart when sitting in the back of the sanctuary during VBS. How God touched me, by the enthusiasm of the children, their obvious desire to learn about Jesus. These children were like sponges, anxious to soak up this love. I confessed how I realized how as an adult, I’ve become hardened, formed opinions. Through life’s experiences, and poor decisions, too often I failed to live out these three simple rules.
We remembered Jesus always had a tender caring heart for children. He said we should all be as children. I realized how far away from that childlike desire to know Jesus I have come. I decided I want to live the three simple rules. Truly follow them. We considered our world, the world we live in today, and God’s world, what God desires for His people, and what it could look like if each of us truly followed these rules.
Since then I can tell you I’ve really tried to practice “doing good.” With my wife’s encouragement, (sometimes a lot is needed) I’ve learned to “control” my anger when someone cuts in front of my on the highway. I won’t tell you that I never feel that anger, and I won’t say that it doesn’t get the best of me sometimes. Nevertheless, the wonderful thing is I am aware the anger doesn’t solve anything, only serves to create my own personal aggravation. Additionally, I am reminded how hard really living out these rules can be! But I’m working on it. I can tell you that I thank or offer encouragement to the cashiers at the various stores I shop, and I’ve received many grateful smiles and at least one profound expression of appreciation. Do Good. It really can make a difference.
Finally, we came to the most crucial rule of the three. “Stay in love with God!”
The first two rules are indeed essential, but the truth is we cannot fix on our own much of what ails us. Only if and when we live in the healing, loving, redeeming, forming and guiding light and presence of God can we experience the redemption, healing, transformation, and guidance we so desperately need. That’s why “Staying in love with God” is essential.
The Bible tells us to: 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Dt 6:4-9
This “simple rule,” this…”staying in love with God” rule looks different for each of us because each of us is unique. Nevertheless, there are some common essentials for all. Beginning with a daily time of prayer; reflection upon and study of Scripture; regular participation in the life of a Christian community, including weekly worship and regular participation in the Lord’s Supper; doing some act of goodness or mercy’; and taking opportunities to share with and learn from others who also seek to follow the way of Jesus. It is through practicing these spiritual disciplines we find the courage, strength and direction to walk faithfully and with integrity in the way of Jesus.
Last week I read a quote from Henri J. M. Nouwen’s book, “In The Name of Jesus:” about the exchange between Jesus and Peter following Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. Most of us know the story. That Jesus asked Peter three times, if he loves Him is a revealing exchange. Peter denied Jesus three times, but here he declares his love three times. Can you imagine for a moment, the joy in Peter’s heart. We see Peter drawn to a new beginning, a new future. The failures of the past are just that…past, forgotten. Jesus offers new possibilities to embrace, and those new possibilities reflect Peter’s mission.
Each of us has our own story of failures we can recite. Nevertheless, the Good news is that we can start again. We can also point to the failures of institutions and systems near and dear to us. The good new is the past can be forgiven. God offered a new chance to people like Peter, whose denial seemed like such an enormous failure, and He offers the same chance to each of us, no matter what our failures may have been.
God asks, “Do you love me?” When we say yes, His response is always the same… “Feed my lambs, tend my sheep.”
Each time Jesus asked Peter “Do you love me?” he also declared how Peter, and the world, would know if he was obedient to God. We cannot discover, achieve, continue or sustain Holy living without staying in love with God. While staying in love with God means prayer, worship, study and the Lord’s Supper, it also involves feeding the lambs, tending the sheep, and providing for the needs of others.
Feeding the lambs and tending the sheep are signs of love we exchange with God. They are signs the world, even our world can understand. Spiritual disciplines include practices binding us to God every day, and they include actions, healing actions for the pain, injustice, and inequality of our world. If you are truly “in love with God,” then you will find it impossible not to desire to see God’s goodness and grace shared with the entire world.
Jesus, in this morning’s Scripture, gives some insight about what was to come to this faithful disciple. (Re-read Scripture with emphasis on “Follow Me.”)
Not all the disciples became martyrs, but all were very likely taken places they had not intended to go. When we say yes to God’s call of love, He releases us from so many things, and we enjoy the wonderful gift of our freedom in Christ. Nevertheless, God likely will lead us to places we never intended to go. I stand before you as just such an example.
Disciples of Jesus do have a great freedom in Christ. Disciples also have great loyalty to the way of Christ. Consequently, God often calls disciples to action and restraint as they stay in love with God and seek to live a life of faithfulness, fidelity, and integrity.
Three simple rules, easily understood and practiced by everyone, every day of our lives when Jesus is the focus. It’s a way of living that guards our lives from doing evil and enabling us to do good; a way of living providing a way to stay in love with God in this world…and the next; a way of living that promises the way to claim and enjoy our full inheritance as children of God. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn’t it? Nevertheless, the facts are that those who have followed these three simple rules have discovered their world changed and God enables them to claim their full inheritance as children of God.
We can’t afford to fool ourselves that this is not a difficult challenge in today’s world. However, was it really any easier during Peter’s time? There will be hardships, there will be temptations to fall back into the ways of the kingdom of this world. There may be times when we, as the disciples before us, stumble and fall into doing foolish things, like squabbling about who will be first among us. But the good news is we can rise above our denials of the way of Jesus, received forgiveness and begin again our life of fidelity and faithfulness to God in Christ.
The rules are simple, but the way is difficult. Only those with great courage will attempt the journey, and only those with great faith will be able to walk this exciting and demanding way. There are many other options for us to choose, but they are all lesser options and lead to lesser results ranging from poor to disastrous.
The question from Jesus continues for each of us, “My daughter, my son, do you love me?” Is there any other answer you wish to give other that “Yes Lord, you know everything, you know that I love you.”
The next question then becomes are we ready, are you ready, to choose the costly way that involves these three simple rules as our way of living as a church, as your way of living as a true follower of Jesus? What is your response to Jesus’ invitation “Follow Me”? I believe there are many who are ready to make that choice, that commitment, and I pray that I, and all those who make that choice today will make that choice new every morning.
