Become More

This sermon explores the challenging but essential task of reconciling faith with difficult historical truths. Drawing on personal experiences and Psalm 78, the speaker confronts the painful legacy of the Methodist Church's involvement in the Sand Creek Massacre. She encourages both individuals and the church community to openly acknowledge past struggles and embrace a questioning spirit, arguing that true faith development and a hopeful future depend on learning from our "dark sayings" rather than hiding them.

After striving to do no harm and actively doing good, Wesley calls us to 'attend upon the ordinances of God'—which we can understand as cultivating daily connection. We are not meant to walk this path alone, nor can we sustain ourselves by our own strength. Our lives are meant to be interwoven with God's grace, and this requires intentional practices that keep our connection open and vital. Think of those things that truly help you connect with the Divine. Is it the communal worship experience, delving into scripture, sharing in communion, a quiet walk in nature, or focused prayer? God meets us where we are, and there's no single checklist; instead, it's an invitation to find *your* unique ways to deepen this relationship. Today, dedicate time to one such practice. Let it be a deliberate act of seeking God's presence, drawing from the wellspring of strength and peace that is always available. Remember, you are not alone; God is with you, sustaining you through every moment.

Once we strive to do no harm, we are then invited to actively 'do good.' This second rule from Wesley encourages us to look beyond mere avoidance and embrace the countless opportunities to bless ourselves and others. We are not called to be passive observers of the world, but active participants in God's ongoing work of love and healing. Today, open your eyes and heart to the specific ways you can be an instrument of good. It might be a kind word to a stranger, a helping hand to a friend, or a quiet act of service in your community. Perhaps it's also about doing good for yourself—nurturing your body, mind, or spirit in ways that allow you to be more fully present and generous with others. Remember, you are uniquely gifted to make a positive impact. Don't wait for grand opportunities; let your days be filled with small, intentional acts of goodness that ripple outwards, reflecting God's abundant grace.

Before we can actively build, we must first ensure we are not causing damage. John Wesley wisely began his General Rules with the instruction to 'do no harm.' This isn't just about avoiding overt wrongdoing, but also about cultivating an awareness of the subtle ways our actions, words, or even inactions might negatively impact ourselves or others. Take a moment today to reflect on this foundational principle. Where might you be making things worse—perhaps unintentionally—for yourself, your loved ones, or your wider community? This self-examination requires honesty and courage. It might involve letting go of old habits, unhelpful patterns of thought, or critical judgments. By consciously choosing to 'do no harm,' we clear the ground for grace to flourish and for genuine connection to take root. Let your intentions today be rooted in kindness, seeking to minimize hurt and maximize compassion in every interaction.

We rely on navigational tools to guide us, yet even the most advanced systems require constant recalibration to stay accurate. A tiny daily drift, imperceptible at first, can lead us miles off course over time. The same principle applies to our spiritual journeys. Without regular reorientation, we can slowly drift away from God's intended path, from the values we hold dear, and from our truest selves. Today, consider where you might be experiencing spiritual drift. Are there small neglects, forgotten intentions, or subtle shifts in priorities that are taking you further from your spiritual home? This isn't about judgment, but about honest awareness. Just as a satellite corrects its timing daily, we too need moments of spiritual recalibration. What small, intentional practice can you embrace today to realign your heart and mind with God's presence? Let this be a day to consciously choose direction, anchoring yourself in God's unwavering love and guidance.

In ancient times, the altar fire was commanded to burn continually, a perpetual flame never to go out. This wasn't merely a practical instruction; it was a profound spiritual truth, a symbol of an unbroken connection. Today, we may not tend a literal fire, but we are called to nurture an inner flame—the flame of our faith, our awareness of God's presence, and our commitment to His ways. Just as the priests carefully added wood and removed ashes, we too must be intentional about feeding our spiritual lives. What fuels your inner fire? Is it a moment of quiet prayer, a passage from scripture, or a simple act of gratitude? Take a moment to consider what brings warmth and light to your soul. This isn't about grand gestures, but about consistent, loving attention. Recognize the small, daily efforts that keep your spiritual flame alive, preventing it from dimming or flickering out amidst the demands of life. Let this inner fire be a constant reminder of whose you are and the continuous presence of God within you.

## Keeping Your Spiritual GPS Calibrated Imagine relying on your GPS for a critical journey, only to discover it drifts by just 38 microseconds each day. That sounds insignificant, doesn't it? But over time, that tiny daily deviation compounds into a six-mile error. Without constant recalibration, your GPS might insist it's taking you to your desired destination, only to deliver you miles away – perhaps even to a completely different state! This isn't a "set it and forget it" system; it requires daily, authoritative correction to function accurately, ensuring you stay precisely on course. Just as our digital navigation systems need daily recalibration, our spiritual lives are prone to a similar kind of drift. We can subtly allow distractions, neglected practices, or simply the busyness of life to pull us off course. God recognized this tendency in humanity long ago. In the book of Leviticus, God gave specific instructions for keeping the altar fire burning continuously – day and night, even while wandering through the desert. This wasn't about the fire itself; it was a powerful, daily reminder for a people facing immense hardship to intentionally maintain their connection with God, their identity, and their purpose. It was a tangible act of preventing spiritual drift. Centuries later, John Wesley understood this human need for ongoing spiritual maintenance. He outlined "General Rules" for growing in faith, not as a rigid checklist, but as a guide to living. He started with practical actions: "Do no harm" and "Do good." By engaging with these, we often quickly realize our own limitations and the need for a deeper source of strength. This leads to the third rule: "Attend upon the ordinances of God," or engaging in practices that connect us to God. This could be public worship, reading scripture, receiving communion, or personal practices like prayer, walks in nature, or even exercise – anything that helps you quiet your mind and connect with the divine. God's grace and strength are available to you just as they were to God's people in the desert. The path to a vibrant, connected faith isn't about perfection, but about consistent, intentional recalibration. It's about recognizing the small drifts and choosing to reorient yourself daily toward the source of true peace and power. ### Next Step What is one practice, however small, that helps you feel connected to God? Make a conscious effort to integrate it into your daily or weekly routine, choosing intentional connection over spiritual drift. ### Prayer Gracious God, thank you for your constant presence and the grace you offer. Help us to recognize the subtle drifts in our lives and to embrace the daily practices that keep our hearts and minds connected to you, our unchanging source of strength and guidance. Amen.

This sermon explores the concept of "spiritual drift" by drawing an analogy to GPS systems, which require constant recalibration to maintain accuracy. Just as ancient Israelites were commanded to keep the altar fire perpetually burning as a symbol of their daily connection to God, modern believers are called to intentional spiritual maintenance. The message emphasizes Wesley's General Rules—doing no harm, doing good, and regularly engaging in spiritual practices like worship, scripture reading, and communion—not as a checklist, but as vital ways to stay anchored in God's strength and love. It reminds us that we are not alone in our journey and that God's grace is always available to guide us back when we drift.

Being God's people is not primarily about geographical location or a list of external observances; it's about the orientation of our hearts and minds. God desired for the Israelites, and desires for us, to be truly His, living a distinct way that reflects His character to the world. This means cultivating an inner life aligned with divine purpose, allowing God's love to reshape our thoughts, attitudes, and intentions. Our faith is a journey inward as much as outward. While our actions are important, they spring from the wellspring of our spirit. Are our hearts attuned to God's presence? Are our minds seeking His wisdom? Let us strive to be more than just "people in the land"; let us be "people of God," deeply rooted in His love and grace. May our entire being be a testament to His transforming power, living out our faith with authenticity and joy, radiating His light from the very core of who we are.

The command to extend kindness even to those who trouble us is a profound challenge, yet it lies at the very heart of God's transformative love. When scripture speaks of helping an "enemy's" stray donkey or aiding someone you dislike with their burden, it pushes us far beyond conventional neighborliness. It calls us to see beyond personal grievances and political divides, to recognize the shared humanity and need in every individual. This isn't about condoning harmful actions, but about breaking cycles of animosity with unexpected grace. It's about remembering that every person, regardless of their actions or our feelings towards them, is a child of God. Where can you offer a small act of kindness or assistance today, perhaps to someone with whom you have a strained relationship? Such gestures are not weakness, but a powerful demonstration of Christ-like love, inviting us and others into a larger circle of compassion. Let us strive to embody this radical love, transforming our world one compassionate act at a time.