Dale Cresap's blog

Do you find it hard to forgive those who sin in different ways than you do? The theological view of sin is that any of any type is too much, but do you see so much going on around you that you pick and choose and create a hierarchy? Some people are bound in habits and addictions that hold no appeal for others. Count yourself fortunate if you are one of the latter, but do you have other issues of your own? Consider the prayer that I used as a bad example, of the man who prayed thus with himself, that he was not a sinner like other men. Look at those who sin in different ways than you do and think of things you have in common.

Do you take doctrine seriously? Will the people you meet want to become Christians because your doctrine is correct or because they see something in you that they want? If they are in darkness then you can’t expect them to care about doctrine even if you think it is important. But if your doctrines and beliefs are  true it should have a visible effect in your life. Others can see this even if they can’t see the underlying cause, and this will show through even though you have faults and problems. So I instruct you to let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify me.

Did you enjoy the tests you took in school? Even if you are no longer in school can you see that the concept of tests still applies to your life? Christians often refer to them as trials. Is this something you fear and dread, and avoid when you can, as an examination that you never seem to pass? Yet good students and teachers alike know that tests are not just an examination to find out what you know, but a learning experience in themselves. In like manner mature Christians know that their tests are not just to find out what they are made of, but to change and improve it. Even if you feel you are not passing your tests they are equipping you to pass future tests.

Do you like to read fiction or non-fiction? There are valid arguments for both choices, but what is you objective from choosing either? Are you looking for truth to take home with you? I promised that you would know the truth if you continued in my word and that knowing the truth would make you free. Always look for transferrable truth that speaks to you. Would non-fiction seem to have an advantage here? Yet you can find truth in fiction and it is not always present in non-fiction. Anything that doesn’t challenge or expand your current views is not causing you to grow, but you have my promise that if you seek the truth you will find it.

Can you be right and wrong at the same time? You desire to be right, and everyone does, but not everyone comes to the same conclusions. Would you know if you were wrong? Do you know anyone who thinks they are? Even beyond being right it is important to hold your truth graciously. Conflicting versions of what is right generate strife, and not everything is worth fighting over. You can walk away from arguments and still maintain your integrity if the price is too high. You need wisdom to go with your knowledge so you will know what to do with it. This will prevent you from being right and wrong at the same time.

My word tells you rejoice. Does this sound like a commandment to be happy? Is this a reasonable thing to expect? You have rules to follow and burdens to bear that those who do not follow me do not have. And yet it is reasonable for me to expect you to be happy, for what I ask of you is congruent with your true nature. I made you a certain way and it will make you unhappy to live inconsistently with that even if it is a life without restraints. Do you think of freedom as the absence of any constraints? The joyful liberty I have called you to takes place within the observance of all that I have commanded you.

Do you like the work that you do to earn a living? Do you like the work you do for me? How many people would continue to do the work they do for a living if they were not paid? I told a story about laborers in a vineyard who were hired at various times during the day. At the end of the day all were paid the same, although those who worked all day expected to get more. It appears that they didn’t enjoy their work and would not have done it for free. Some people are paid for their work in my vineyard, but most are not. If you find life and joy in the way you serve me it won’t be about how much or how little money is attached, or none at all.

Do you treat everyone with the same degree of courtesy and respect? You are unusual if you do, for it is human nature to defer to those with wealth, power and status, and disregard those without. Yet my word teaches you that the poor are rich in faith and that when you have bestowed blessings on the least (not the most) of these, you have done it unto me. It was these I identified with in my time on earth, and declared woe and criticism on the rich and powerful. Are you prepared to treat the janitor with the same respect you do the CEO? By the reasoning above you should treat him better.

Do you like to stay out of debt? This is a good idea where money is concerned. What about other areas of life? Even if other people don’t owe you money, do you feel that they owe you respect and consideration, and perhaps more depending on the relationship? Yet these are things for which you cannot enforce payment. A better approach to life is to assume that no one owes you anything, but that you owe a debt of love to all of humanity. Does this seem to put you forever behind the curve on the payment balance? Think of it as opening the door for gratitude, and I will lavish upon you all the resources you need to pay that debt of love.

Do you understand that I will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to endure? I won’t allow it. You can extend the same concept to realize that I will not allow you to suffer more than you can endure. Have you felt that the suffering you have already experienced is more than you can bear? But if you are still here you were wrong about that. Do you find it comforting in the midst of your trials to know that they are finely calibrated to be within your endurance? Do you find it encouraging knowing that you can stand more than you think you can? Fear not little flock, I hold you in the palm of my hand.