Minister’s Message, Sunday, February 16, 2025
People talk about using their faith as a way to help them make decisions. The classic, or overused, phrase, “what would Jesus do?” comes to mind. This is a kind of appeal to authority. The one in control is Jesus, so just do what he said. However, there are often disagreements about what he said, or what he meant. So how do we know what is true? Who do we listen to? As you can see, this way of making decisions can be misleading. At the least, it is not a very systematic way to make decisions. What Would Jesus Do™? is often a way to justify what you are doing, or a way to judge what others are doing. It is fast and easy and can lead you astray.
So rather than rely on one point of data (or perceived point of data), I offer another way. For hundreds of years in theology people have been using some version of, the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral.” It is a 4- pronged way of making a decision described by John Wesley. The basic idea is that any question should be examined using FOUR things, scripture, tradition, experience, and reason. Scripture, means the bible. It includes Jesus, because the bible is how we know about Jesus’ life and wisdom. Tradition refers to the knowledge passed down: practices, extra stories, and teachings. Experience is our own lives, our particular context, and our unique understanding of the world. Reason is logic, deduction, and problem solving.
Thus we have a more balanced approach to making decisions. We are more likely to see or think about things that we haven’t known before. This also is a longer way of making decisions. And sometimes slowing down can help us. When you are lost in the woods, the first thing you want to do is STOP (an acronym that means Sit down, Think, Observe, and Plan). If you are having a panic attack, first breathe. Slowing down gives us more reaction time when driving. We live in a culture that demands speed. But important decisions need time, deliberation, and more information.
Questions to take home…
How do you make major decisions? Minor decisions? What role does your faith play in how you live your life? Is there something in your life that needs a little renewal?
