What are the marks of the Christian life? The question is so broad we could immediately answer it in many different ways. We could say holiness, repentance, faith, service, the Cross, suffering or hope. Surely all of these are marks of the Christian life. Still, that is quite a mouthful. How would you explain the marks of your life in Christ to a non-Christian friend? Words like repentance, holiness and even the Cross would not be immediately clear to some who were not raised in the Christian faith. The question is clear and we should be able to provide a clear answer.
For those of us who bear the name ‘Wesleyans’ one answer has been provided by John Wesley’s General Rules. Wesley had three basic rules for all who wanted to be members of his Methodist societies. They were: 1. Do No Harm. 2. Do Good. 3. Attend upon the Ordinances of God. These three phrases provide us a Wesleyan vision of the marks of the Christian life.
As followers of the Prince of Peace Christians seek to be peacemakers, a people who do no harm, who strive to avoid sin and the damage it does to ourselves and others. Still, avoiding harm is just the first step. The Christian life is marked by more than simply avoiding evil, we must also actively work to bring peace and reconciliation into the brokenness of our everyday lives. We must do good.
Finally the Christian life is marked by a dependence on God. As Christians we avoid harm and do good by attending to the ordinances of God. The ordinances of God are the practices of worship and devotion. We must sing, pray, worship, celebrate the Lord’s Supper and seek God in our devotional life. Through these practices we are given everything we need to do no harm and do good.
What are the marks of the Christian life? The question is simple enough…what’s your answer?
