Do I confidentially pass on to others what has been said to me in confidence?
The Holy Club was a small group of students (mostly clergy) who met at Oxford, as soon as he arrived, John Wesley became it's leader. It only met for 5 years (1729-1734) and never numbered more than 20 members, yet it's not an exaggeration to say that it transformed the culture of two nations, Britain and America and influenced many more. It was a fairly organic group that had a number of disciplines, but it wasn't compulsory for everyone to join in all the time.
Whenever they met (some of them met every evening during the week and less often at weekends) they used a set of questions to test how well they were living. As you can see from yesterday's and today's question, most of them were not specifically christian or religious - they were about living well, being the best person I can be (the one that God created me to be). You'll see all 22 if you keep reading this blog until the end of Lent.
For the last 15 years, I've been in a small group like this most of the time. If no-one keeps me honest, I don't live well - I'm lazy. I've realised this lent that it's been a while since I was part of such a group - and it shows!
A few years ago a new member joined a small group I was in and asked 'how honest do I have to be when answering these questions?' We replied, 'as honest as you dare!'
It takes time to trust someone enough to be really honest about the me I try to keep hidden. The amazing thing is that when I do find the courage they see a lot more good in me than I see in myself and the whole process is very affirming.
Looking at the questions on line is a good start - answering them with someone who genuinely cares about you is even better.
Bible passage to meditate on: Philippians 4:4-9
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