For those of you that have been following along, I have been writing about God’s grace. As a lifelong United Methodist, I have been shaped by John Wesley’s (founder of Methodism) understanding of grace. This grace starts with Prevenient Grace (God always calling to us), Justification or Justifying Grace (where we acknowledge that Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection meant something for us personally), and Sanctification (the idea of working towards Christian perfection – the disco of grace!). So, if sanctification works towards perfection, then that last step is perfection. But that leaves us with a question. If no one is perfect, then how on Earth can we make it to Christian Perfection?
Well, let’s clear something up first. Wesley’s idea of Christian Perfection is NOT about being perfect. Ret. Bishop William H. Wiliomon reminds us that it’s more about being “mature” in our faith and how we follow Jesus Christ.[1] Second, as I said before, we work toward perfection. Wesley believed that we could attain it in our lifetime. However, it works like this: I get it! I understand, Jesus! YAY!. . and then I breathe, and the moment is over. But I don’t give up. I keep working towards it. Remember, it’s not a straight-up process to perfection. It’s an up-and-down disco of grace!
Amid all these marvelous theological meanderings, I pray that we don’t miss the forest for the trees. (Get It?!? Meandering through the forest and trees!!!!! I’ll show myself out.) Even if none of this makes sense, I hope you understand one thing about God’s love and grace. It is for everyone. And everyone means everyone. This Sunday, as we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent, I pray that you find the hope and peace of Christ all around you.
I hope to see you on Sunday!
-rev. mik
[1] https://www.umc.org/en/content/what-did-john-wesley-mean-by-moving-on-to-perfection
