The Fingerprint of a Christian

By Rev. Lee Anderson, Minister of Care

Early Methodism was a movement within the Anglican Church, much as early Christianity was a movement within Judaism. Both movements began in response to, and gained followers because of, a sensed need for reform in the larger context. Jesus was dismayed and disappointed by those who claimed to be God’s followers but who seemed to miss the point of the spiritual life and of caring for one another. John Wesley also saw a disconnect between these things among his fellow Christians. Wesley’s method of deepening one’s faith, walking with Christ, and living as a follower of Christ included small faith communities called classes, which formed larger communities called societies. The purpose of a class was to learn and be in community, but also to hold one another accountable. To study and claim Christianity was not enough; one had to exemplify the features of a Christian. If they were not able to do this, they were not allowed to stay within the community. This is because Christianity was a way of life to Wesley and others within the early Methodist church. Faith communities were important for the development of all people who sought to follow Christ, and all were accountable to nurturing one another and living out their own faith. 

The way of Christianity is a rewarding one, but not an easy one. A life that exemplifies the fingerprint of a Christian is no less relevant today than it was in Jesus’ or Wesley’s times. It was not easier in their times either. Humans struggle now…as they did then…with the lure of fitting in and consumerism, with a sense of entitlement and placing one’s own needs above those of others, with anxiety, fear, and emptiness, which lead to destructive behaviors. Like fingerprints, each life of a Christian is unique. We need not all look and act alike. Yet, there are identifying characteristics, such as leaning on a God that is bigger than you and all your worries, or giving of one’s self for others, to name but a couple.

Following Christ is a practice; it is not a one-time decision. It takes attentiveness. It is humbling when we see our own shortcomings in comparison to Christ’s life and teachings. But, we are not meant to do it alone. We are meant to ask for God’s help, and then open ourselves to receiving that help. We also need the support of a loving and healthy faith community. How are you helping to support and nurture others in your faith community…both your smaller group and the larger church? How does your faith community help you develop as a Christian? How would you describe your own Christian fingerprint?

Saying Grace

From Rev. Jasper Peters, Associate Pastor

Growing up, my family would always say grace before a meal. My father would say the same thing before each meal. Every so often, the children would be invited to say a rudimentary prayer, but often we would just be there to listen. I never understood why it was called grace.

My first week away at college, I realized I could now begin to figure out who I would be, independent of family traditions. I considered whether it was necessary to continue saying a formulaic prayer before I ate. It was honestly difficult to make this decision in the middle of a college dining hall. While sitting at a table of 18 and 19-year-olds, I stopped talking, closed my eyes, and I took a moment to think.

I thought about all the things that had happened in my life that had brought me to that moment at that table. I acknowledged all the things that might have gone differently in my life, preventing me from sitting at that table. Then I thought about the sacrifices of plants and animals that made the meal possible at all. Something had to die so that I might live. How could all this even be possible? All of a sudden, the word “grace” made a lot more sense.

I decided then and there that praying before a meal would be something I did going forward, not because I had been taught to do so, but rather because I decided to do so on my own. I don’t always say the same words, but rather I sit there quietly, calming down enough to realize that I didn’t earn what I have, but rather it is a massive and meaningful gift. After a few days, several of my new friends took notice of my 10-15 second pre-meal silent ritual. Some of them stared as if they were confused. A few others complimented me, thinking I must be some sort of monk-in-training. In reality, I simply had a lot for which I was thankful.