What ‘flows’ from a different source?
By Gil Hanke
My Wesley Study Bible includes comments on his “core terms.” In describing works of mercy and works of piety, Wesley did not consider these ways to earn salvation, but they necessarily flow from salvation.
Stated another way, actions we take to show our reverence to God or to meet the needs of others don’t earn us a place in heaven or favor with God. Those actions flow because of our love of God, and the teachings of Christ direct us to act on that love.
Yes, we feed the hungry because they need nourishment. But the feeling we must feed the hungry comes from a different source.
Yes, we want the world and our country to be at peace, but the passion that causes us to work for peace, comes from a different source.
Yes, we attend church and participate in worship, but the unsettled feeling we get during the week that drives us to additional reading or to “search the Scriptures” comes from a different source.
Yes, we want children to grow up in a loving family with caring parents and adequate resources, but the passion to invest time and money helping a Cub pack or after-school program comes from a different source.
A woman in a nursing home asked for a pastoral visit as she had a real problem; she now felt worthless. The pastor asked if she would consider making phone calls to members of the church that might be lonely. She agreed and as she began to call, she asked people for prayer concerns, and for other people who might appreciate a call. The remainder of her life was spent in compassionate calls and passionate prayers.
That passion came from another source.
What is your passion from another source?
Gil Hanke, chief executive officer
General Commission on UM Men