11 October 2024

I’m in a season of discernment. I need a method to examine my life more closely. The Holy Club, the first iteration of Methodism, employed a method for daily examination. It can be found at the link below.

If there is anything the church offers the world, tried and perfected disciplines are among the best. The questions below remain relevant. And I appreciate the antiquated approach. It’s not really sugar-coated, which is better for me. For example the first question is: “Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?”

https://www.umcyoungpeople.org/lead/everyday-disciples-john-wesleys-22-questions

For today, I am looking at #5: “Am I a slave to dress, friends, work or habits?” I have added a timer to my phone to track my usage. I have exceeded 6 hours many times. I am looking to keep it under 5 hours. I do pick it up out of habit.

I also feel a slave to work: not in the sense that I work too many hours. More like too much of my identity exists in my work. It would behoove me to find ways to actually turn off when I am away from church.

I did manage some music time today. Work has compelled me to play and sing more, and I appreciate the opportunity.

So for today, I have struggled with ‘slavery’ to unconscious and useless habits. May the honesty I’m practicing now lead me to more intentional living.