A few sessions back, we talked about the worship service we attend each week.  But did you know, that the real meaning of worship is not an hour long service?  Check out the definition of Worship..  Now, in your own words, what do you think  worship means?    

     As Christians, we are called to live a life of Worship.  Worship isn't just what we have in just an hour in church, but the way we live our lives, daily.   To worship God with our lives means everything we do, we do it to please God.  We are called to worship God in our relationships, work and play.  What are some ways you can live a life of worship in school?  .  In your relationships?   Do you think it would be hard or easy to live a life of worship 24/7? 

    I think it is hard!  It is hard to think and do things differently that everyone else!  John Wesley, who we learned about before, came up with a way for Christians to make difficult decisions.  It's called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral.  Wesley knew that life is hard!  And sometimes, the answers aren't clear.  Have you ever felt that way? 
John Wesley came up with four areas for us to look at, when we need to make a decision. 

    1. Look at SCRIPTURE.  What does the Bible say about the issue?

    2. Look at TRADITION.  How has this decision been made in the past? 

    3.  Look at REASON.  What does your gut tell you?  If you had to use just common sense, what would you do?

    4. Look at EXPERIENCE.  What does your experience tell you about this situation or what God wants? 
 

    It sounds pretty confusing at first, but it is pretty easy!  Let's try one. 

    Think of a decision someone would have to make.  It can be one you have right now, or you can make up one.  What is a problem that comes to mind?

    Ready?  Ok, Let's Go!

1. SCRIPTURE    Now, look in your Bible.  Does it have a topic index?  See if you can find a topic that relates to your problem. 
                            Having trouble?  Go to  Bible Gateway and try looking up a topic or keyword.  What verse did you find? 
                            What does it say about your question?

2. TRADITION  Think of the history of the church, your family, a Christian mentor or your friends.  How has this problem been solved in the past? 

3. REASON When you think logically, what do you think is the right decision? 

4. EXPERIENCE You have been around for at least 12 years.  Has something like this ever come up before? 
                           What did that experience tell you about the decision you need to come to today? 

 

Now, take all of those answers and thoughts, and tell me, what is your answer?

    That took a long time!  But, the more you do it, the quicker you will get an answer.  Try this, next time you have a problem.  God is active in your life and wants to show you the answer!      Don’t forget your name in the box before you hit submit!!