A shorter way

 

Hebrews 6:1-12

Wesleyan theology puts an emphasis on sanctification. Entire sanctification at that. We value the belief our faith can come to full fruition even in this life time. The other word we often use to label that experience is perfection. Yes, child of God, you can be perfect here and now. Many of us often mistake what we mean by perfection. No, we aren't perfect people, without fault or sin. We're not Jesus. But we do have the Spirit Jesus promised working within us. So, our faith is growing. We're becoming more like Jesus in thought and deed. The fruit of the Holy Spirit takes root in our hearts as we continue in life. And that can fill us so much with the love of God there's no room for anything else: perfection. For most of us, our journey to perfection takes a lifetime. But I appreciate greatly Phoebe Palmer's conviction. Church history considers her the mother of the holiness movement. She had strong Methodist roots and a great desire to pursue Christian perfection. While she knew and experienced the camp meetings and revivals of her day, those could sometimes take a while to, what we might say, "work." Phoebe believed in a "shorter way." This was a short process to experience the full sanctification of your faith. Her deep conviction rested on her belief in scripture's command. Be holy. Simple. Short. Also, she learned that "duty is plain." Once you understand what holiness is, do it. Again, simple. Short. Why wait for perfection to be a reality in heaven when it seems God promises we can experience it now? Even right now! This perfection conviction also affirms the very real power of what God can do within our faith. If we say it's impossible for us to reach perfection, are we suggesting God can't do such a thing for us? You might be experiencing something of Phoebe Palmer's shorter way. Praise God! Or yours might be a more prolonged perfection. Praise God! No matter how you find yourself getting there, as Hebrews says, "Let us go on toward perfection." Stay blessed...john