Introduction
For my second post, I want to explore Wesely’s notions of inner and outer piety. As I dip my toes back into formal ministry, I am finding that while the younger people I talk to are very excited about the vast notions of how to be spiritual and religious, many established religious folks balk or even get intimidated when I use the many words and traditions associated with the contemplative traditions. Simply put, I am a bit rusty on my stained-glass language. The only way to really work with a language is to use it. This will be another of the many I have written this year to re-awaken my fluency.
Pietism significantly influenced the Methodist tradition, emphasizing personal faith, heartfelt devotion, and small group Bible studies. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was inspired by Pietist principles, which helped shape the movement’s focus on individual piety and social action.
Among other things, the Pietists emphasized:
A truly reformed church, characterized by small group Bible studies and increased lay participation in various aspects of ministry;
Individual devotional lives revolving around Bible study and prayer;
The importance of right living. In other words, the Pietists believed that Christianity should be characterized by more than just thinking the right things about God, it should be characterized by living in ways that demonstrated one’s commitment to God; and
The importance of a “heart-felt” faith, sometimes called the “new birth.”
Wesley reflects this influence in all his work. This week, I want to spend some time looking at his concepts of inner and outer piety.
Inner Piety
Piety, “often translated as “godliness” in English Bibles, conveys reverence and devotion toward the Divine. In the original Greek texts of the New Testament, this concept is frequently represented by the word “eusebeia,” meaning a respectful awe and consistent alignment with God’s character. It implies both an inward attitude of reverence and an outward demonstration of righteous behavior. While “godliness” is commonly used in modern translations to reflect this idea, older traditions sometimes rendered it “piety.”
Wesely influenced by the Pietists of his time, emphasized the importance of Christian piety. He listed the following works of piety as God-inspired channels by His grace to help us grow in faith and holiness, and encountering God by developing our relationship with God and one another – prayer, scripture reading, Holy Communion, fasting, worship, fellowship, acts of mercy and service.
Cultivating inner piety involves a process of self-improvement by aligning one’s actions and thoughts with higher principles. This includes making conscious decisions and behaving in ways that reflect these principles, especially in interactions with family. It is important to recognize the limitations of relying solely on personal strength and instead trust in a greater power for transformation.
Imitating Christ is central to inner piety, focusing on a love that acknowledges the divine presence in all individuals, regardless of their appearance. By allowing this perspective to guide actions, one can reduce ego-driven behaviors and embody a more divine presence.
An external perspective involves keeping sight of long-term significance and rewards, which motivates endurance through challenges and helps avoid temptation. Striving to align oneself with eternal values reveals a personal transformation towards becoming more Christ-like.
Outward Practice
For John Wesley, means of grace are “outward signs, words, or actions ordained of God, and appointed for this end—to be the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace” (Sermon 16, “The Means of Grace,” II.1). For Wesley, outward practices such as prayer, searching the Scriptures, fasting, Eucharist, and Christian conference were essential elements to a fulfilling spiritual life.
When you study how Wesley delved into the depths of spiritual practice, you will begin to see that he understood that inner piety must be complemented by outward actions. He advocated for a harmonious blend of these dimensions to foster a holistic spiritual life. This duality is evident in his emphasis on personal devotion as well as community engagement. Wesley’s notion of outer piety, manifested through acts of service and communal worship, serves not only to express one’s faith but also to nurture a collective spiritual growth. The integration of both inner and outer piety in one’s spiritual journey underscores Wesley’s lasting legacy, as it encourages believers to seek a balanced and fulfilling relationship with the divine. This week, by reflecting on Wesley’s insights, we can appreciate the importance of nurturing both personal devotion and communal practices in our spiritual lives.
Conclusion
In closing, John Wesley’s devotion to prayer and spiritual life led to a legacy that has informed The United Methodist Church. The notion of piety underscores the intricate balance between inner devotion and outer practice. By appreciating both dimensions, believers can cultivate a deep, enduring relationship with the divine that is both personal and communal. Reflecting on Wesley’s insights illuminates the path to nurturing a well-rounded spiritual life, where individual growth is harmonized with collective faith. Thus, the interplay between inner and outer piety remains a cornerstone of a vibrant spiritual journey, offering profound and transformative experiences that resonate through time.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In