Pettiness and John Wesley

"In the absence of vision, pettiness prevails!"

The constant negativity spewing from a local Christian radio station, and their affiliated websites, reminds me of this passage from John Wesley.

I actally agree with some of the things the negative snipers are saying -- but their surly, haughty attitude is a beam in the eye, as they attempt to remove splinters. Fault-finding is neither a positive nor winsome attribute. Momma always said you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

It's interesting that in their diatribes, they will occasionally quote the 18th century spiritual leaders, such as John Wesley.

Wesley wouldn't appreciate being hijacked in the name of small minded pettiness. He had to deal with the same garbage two and a half centuries ago. Here's his perspective:
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How dreadful, and how innumerable are the contests which have arisen about religion! And not only among the children of the world. . . but even among the children of God, those who had experienced the Kingdom of God within them, who had tasted of righteousness, and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

How many of these in all ages, instead of joining together against the common enemy, have turned their weapons against each other, and so, not only wasted their precious time but hurt one another's spirits, weakened each other's hands, and so hindered the great work of their common Master!"

-- John Wesley in his sermon, "The Lord, Our Righteousness"