Are We Yet Alive?

Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above. “And Are We Yet Alive” UMH # 553 ~ Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

I used to get chills up and down my spine when a few thousand Methodists and I would stand and sing this hymn at the start of every annual session of the Indiana Annual Conference. The LORD had so completely called me to my new life as a pastor that I entertained idealistic images of a body of brothers and sisters bound by the common goal of serving Christ at all costs, that singing this hymn felt both like a victory anthem and mournful release of all who’d died for the cause. It didn’t take long to become disillusioned with the institutions and their dependents, but the idealism has only intensified. 

Being an idealist is costly and bound to produce loneliness. Even the ones who believe in your vision will grow weary of your single mindedness and relentless pursuit of the unattainable. The loneliness is due in part to the idealists’ tension between inspired leadership and disappointment with those who lack the same drive. There is a temptation to think, “if I can do it, anyone can.” Time and wisdom have softened my tone some and now I just try to avoid sources of tension and frustration. I am often afraid of what I might say or do to make things worse for a marginal believer rather than urge another saint along. Unchallenged assumptions by critics occasionally cause me great pain, and after playing out a few scenarios in my imagination wherein I set them straight, I ultimately pray for grace to abound. 

“And are we yet alive?” The question takes on new meaning when asked sincerely among like-minded, Spirit-filled servants of Christ. The question is more focused on spiritual health than on temporal affairs. Is my zeal still intact? Am I provisioned, trained, and dedicated to a long walk? “Alive” implies general well-being and vitality. I dare say, it isn’t the case anymore when United Methodists gather to sing Charles Wesley’s beloved hymn. But, when a small band of idealists gather to pray, sing, read Scripture, and witness, there is life. Can I be vulnerable with you? I’ve been craving that sort of bond since I was very young and still haven’t found it. I admit it is partly my problem because of my trust issues and idealistic rhetoric, but when I plead with you to create and/or take part in small groups, it’s because I know from personal experience that an inspired Christian Believer cannot function completely without encouragement and accountability from Spirit-siblings of Christ Jesus.

John and Charles Wesley were so idealistic as to believe entire sanctification is attainable and they felt that “Methodists” weren’t entirely alive unless holiness from God marked their days and years with visible signs — “let us make our boast of his redeeming power, which saves us to the uttermost,

till we can sin no more.”

“And Are We Yet Alive” UMH # 553 ~ Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

1. And are we yet alive, and see each other's face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for his almighty grace! 2. Preserved by power divine to full salvation here, again in Jesus' praise we join, and in his sight appear. 3. What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!

4. Yet out of all the Lord hath brought us by his love; and still he doth his help afford, and hides our life above. 5. Then let us make our boast of his redeeming power, which saves us to the uttermost, till we can sin no more. 6. Let us take up the cross till we the crown obtain, and gladly reckon all things loss so we may Jesus gain.