Pride
“Some theologians have used the Latin term incurvatus in se—humanity “curved in on itself”— to express this state of pride. In more colloquial terms, we might call this “navel gazing.” We don’t look outward to God or other people because we’re too focused on ourselves. From a spiritual perspective, we are curved inward, and we can’t gain perspective on the goings-on around us. ” – David F. Watson
Wesley wrote in
“A Plain Account of the People Called Methodists”:
“It struck me immediately. ‘This is the thing, the very thing we have wanted so long.’
I called together all the Leaders of the Classes (so we used the term then and their
companies), and desired that each would make a particular inquiry into the
behaviour of those whom he saw weekly. They did so. Many disorderly walkers
were detected. Some turned from the evil of their ways. Some were put away from
us. Many saw it with fear, and rejoiced unto God with reverence.” (261)
The class meeting became so important that for a period of time one could not
attend the Society meeting without a ticket that was given, and renewed, at the class
meeting. Classes were divided based on geographic location, between five to twelve
people, with both women and men being in the same class.
The Question: How does your soul prosper?
The Goal: Justification or the New Birth