Will you take the Holy Club challenge?

Almost 300 years ago John Wesley — leader of the movement that established the Methodist Church — began a group known as the Holy Club. It wasn’t a holier-than-thou club. In fact, they didn’t name themselves. It was a mockery title given them by others.

These individuals wanted to check in with their lives in an effort to stay true to their belief. Every day they privately asked themselves 22 specific questions. When I read the list I thought, “Do I even dare ask myself these questions?” Here are some …

Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am a better person than I really am?

Am I honest in all my acts or words, or do I exaggerate?

Do I confidentially pass on what was told to me in a confidence?

Can I be trusted?

Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?

Do I give time to speak to me every day?

Do I insist on doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?

Am I defeated in any part of my life?

Am I proud?

Is there anyone I fear, or dislike, or criticize, or resent? If so, what am I doing about it?

Do I grumble and complain constantly?

Is Christ real to me?

You see the challenge here. And this is not even all the questions! This group wanted to live intentionally in their understanding of faith as expressed in the life and person of Jesus. Not hit and miss — try this, try that. Hence, they became known as Methodists.

A list of 22 excruciatingly honest questions. No cover up. A mirror reflecting my flaws — while also holding an image of astounding potential.

Now the next question. Will I dare take on the “Holy Club challenge?”