Am I A Methodist?

SUN., APR. 15, 1984, 6:04 AM
FARM, STUDY

You have heard some observations on the denomination called Methodists in the recent past, and you plan to join those of this persuasion in worship this morning. So why should not I, the Holy Spirit, respond to the question I pose, “Am I a Methodist?” on this Sunday morn?

In one sense it is a silly question, because I can answer it wholeheartedly… both ways. Yes, I am a Methodist, for where these folk gather to be the Methodist Church in My Name, there I am in their midst, one of and with them. Then I can say No, for to say “I am a Methodist” would tend to define, describe, and circumscribe Me, which would seem to place limits. That must not be. I am a Methodist in that I am a part of all groups who seek to grow in spirit, particularly in worship, study, and service, but I am not limited in the ways that Methodists define themselves.

One of the statements you heard, to which I shall react, is that Methodists believe in the goodness of humankind and in perfectability through education. Yes, I can agree with this emphasis, because I created humankind, and I am a vital part of the creative process of each new individual, and what I create is basically good… “and I saw that it was good.” Nothing can truly supercede the goodness in that which I create. Sin and depravity are now a part of this earth plane (because I have allowed… for purposes that are Mine), but these do not overcome the goodness and potential which remains because of My creation.

The physical analogue is an apt one. Of all babies born the majority, the large majority, are normal and healthy. Some organizations put much emphasis on the abnormalities in children, and some of these can be prevented and others treated successfully, but these campaigns sometimes obscure the fact that most of the new humans created arrive without defect. Now some are born into conditions that are destructive and unhealthy, and defects develop in those who could have been hale and hearty. The majority still develop wholeness, adapting to difficult situations with much capacity.

In like fashion, the majority of humans born into the world are of moderate to strong spirit, responding to the spiritual challenges in earth life with positive efforts. Most progress on their way to perfect oneness with Me, and education is an important factor. I am the Supreme Teacher, and I use every method (note!) you can imagine, and more. Some, however, do enter earth life with spiritual defects and a lack of desire to progress. Many (of this minority) do live lives of sin and degradation… and deserve the description depraved. Yet they remain a challenge for those of greater strength of spirit, for you are all one, ultimately. You must serve even the least of these, My brethren.

To complete the analogue, some come into earth life with positive spiritual potential, but also into an environment that does not encourage growth or that actually causes the loss of spirit power. Such are the real challenges of earth life, in spiritual terms.

The other description of Methodists was “those who will use many methods to exhibit and develop their God-given goodness and to encourage spiritual growth in others.” Education is a mighty method, and the methods of educating are many… with many still to be discovered and developed. I am one with those who educate. I am one with those who would serve in many and diverse ways. Theologically, Methodists are not strong on sin and negative evaluations of their fellow humans. Rather, their focus is on perfectability and on the positive potential that is in each.