Swimming Against the Current
A casual glimpse at the life of John Wesley may lead us to believe that life for him was without opposition. He knew where God was calling him to go, who God was calling him to be, and the rest was simple. In retrospect, we may think that he chose a difficult way of discipleship, but that once the decision was made, and in spite of personal hardship, there was little internal or external opposition.
A deeper gaze at his life and ministry as revealed through his writing and the testimony of those who wrote about him suggests that he faced real opposition from the beginning until the end. Life was not simple or easy. The struggle for faithful discipleship resulted in opposition within his own life and opposition from those who could not agree with the way he had chosen.
The search for authentic discipleship led him to go far beyond the common understanding or practice of the Christian faith, and this going beyond the commonly accepted way often led to opposition.
—Reuben P. Job
A Wesleyan Spiritual Reader
Many people call this generation a ‘post-Christian’ society, meaning the Christian faith is no longer the dominant belief system or influence in the nation. As society moves further from faith, your efforts to live by your faith will inevitably draw opposition. None of this should surprise us. Jesus told us this would happen. Read Luke 12! “Do not fear those who can kill the body …” “Do not worry when you are dragged before the synagogue, rulers, and authorities …” In our experience, thankfully, it is usually far more subtle—people who insult you, speak about you behind your back, or mischaracterize your actions. And yet, it’s in those very situations where Jesus calls us to respond in love. Love even thy enemies! Let us pray for abundant grace, to live more Christlike lives, to walk in faith; loving our God, and loving others. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics