In my small-group Lenten study, we are using the 22 questions that John Wesley urged the early "methodists" to ask themselves each day. Remember that the denomination that we call Methodist today got that name because they were known to be very methodical in their study and lifestyle. As the leader of the group, John Wesley strongly believed that Christians needed daily contemplation of the Bible's living guidelines and daily scrutiny of their lives. He encouraged small-group study and discussion for those who sought to live as Jesus lived. These groups provided the members with self-evaluation and group-accountability as they shared with each other their successes and failures in attempting to live Godly lives.
Our Lenten study groups are meeting weekly during the 6 weeks of Lent, so we are considering 3 or 4 of the 22 questions at each session.
Here are 13 of Wesley's 22 daily self-examination questions. How do you stack up?
Our Lenten study groups are meeting weekly during the 6 weeks of Lent, so we are considering 3 or 4 of the 22 questions at each session.
Here are 13 of Wesley's 22 daily self-examination questions. How do you stack up?
1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy or distrustful?
8. Am I proud?
9. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
10. How do I spend my spare time?
11. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
12. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
13. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
So what do you think? What are you asking yourself?
9 comments:
Even though I find that I can answer these questions with ease, I wonder how realistic it is to assume any human being would always have these traits. They are such human struggles - at least for me. Sometimes, I'm excellent at them - and other times (shrugging) not so much.
Thoughtful though....
Happy TT!
My TT is Food for thought.
Wesley worked hard to live a balanced life. Thanks for these thoughts on how to get there!
Great questions! Great list!
Anyone who answers correctly to all those questions would be perfect. And probably an insufferable bore!
Wouldn't this world be a better place if each of us considered applying just a couple of these questions? Thought provoking for sure. Thanks.
Very thought provoking 13.
this is a great list of questions. Good things to consider!
A very thoughtful list with some good topics for my journal (and my soul)
Thank you.
I think Nicholas is incorrect in saying a person who attempted to live like that would be an insufferable bore!
Just seeking to apply those to our life would make us a happy... blessed and exciting person...
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