Evangelicals in the United Methodist Church can respond positively to the bishops' appeal to live "The United Methodist Way."  With that in mind we can express appreciation for Bishop Reuben Job's Three Simple Rules: a Wesleyan Way of Living (see the last Happenings article).   What is commendable about the book is that it links "The United Methodist Way" with the General Rules set forth by John Wesley for the Methodist societies.  In a church that has largely abandoned the principles of disciplined, holy living, this recognition of the importance of the General Rules (contained in our Discipline as part of our doctrinal heritage) is to be celebrated by evangelicals.
 
    This is not to say there are not flaws in Job's book (see Good News, Sept.-Oct. issue of Good News for a critique by Les Longdon).   But it is to say the Job book can serve as an introduction for the development of specific rules and disciplines, based on our heritage, that can lead to an identifiable "United Methodist Way."
 
    This Happenings article will take a look at what, based on the General Rules, those specific disciplines and rules might look like. 
 
     Rule One: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as:
 
     1) Taking of the name of God in vain.  We will pledge never to use curses or degrading language.  
 
     2) Profaning the day of the Lord.  We will pledge to observe the Lord's Day (Sunday) as a holy day.  Inasmuch as possible, we will not do "ordinary" (Wesley's term) work, or buy and sell on Sunday.
 
     3) Alcohol.  We will pledge ourselves, in keeping with the United Methodist historic position on alcohol, to total abstinence.  In addition, we will also abstain from all recreational drugs, including tobacco.    
 
     4) Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation. We will speak well, and not in a degrading way, of others.  This includes gossip and stories that would diminish persons, groups, other races or political parties or groups different from ourselves. 
 
     5) Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as:
 
          a) Putting on of gold or costly apparel.  While we would not follow Wesley's prohibition here literally in regard to gold, we will commit ourselves to restrain from modern society's obsession with fashion and "costly apparel."  If for no other reason, this is to show solidarity with those in the world who cannot afford adequate clothing.  As befits the servant life we will avoid ostentatious living.
 
          b) Singing of songs, or reading books which do not "tend to the knowledge or love of God."  We will seek to be discerning in regard to music, books, movies, television shows that are degrading to others.
 
          c) "Borrowing without a probability of paying..."   As a part of Christian stewardship we will avoid all unnecessary debt (particularly credit card debt).
 
         (In addition, while not mentioned in the General Rules, we might add further items that are in harmony with the General Rules).
 
        6) We will hold all human life in highest regard and treat all human beings with highest respect since we believe every human being is created in the image of God.  This includes life in the womb. 
   
       7) In matters of sexual morality we will commit ourselves to celibacy in singleness and faithfulness in marriage.
 
       8) Believing we are called to care for God's created earth we will seek to be environmentally sensitive and responsible.
 
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   Whether or not this very preliminary "list" of rules is a faithful interpretation of the General Rules, can we agree that such lists are appropriate and ought to be a part of any covenant that would connect us with who we are (or ought to be)?   In Wesley's words:   "It is therefore expected of all who continue (in our societies) that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation."
 
    The next Happenings article will deal with Rule 2: By Doing Good.