Dale Cresap's blog

How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself the way others see you? My word says that man looks on the outward appearance. This is as true now as when it was written, and all the more so in your appearance conscious culture. But there is more to the real you than the reflection you see in the mirror, and I look upon your heart. You have an essential being that is more than the sum of what you weigh and your age and your height and other objective measures. This essential being is what I see when I look at you. I want you to learn to see yourself the same way, instead of how you look. 

Do you resent having to have a job? Some people misinterpret the opening passages of the Bible and consider the need to work to be a curse. The serpent was cursed and the requirement of work was imposed on man, but this is not a curse. Do you see how it brings about spiritual development even in those who are not seeking it? Keeping a job requires you to be a servant to your manager and to your customers, being obedient, gracious, and helpful. These are desirable spiritual qualities whether you were seeking them when you applied for the job or not. Do you see how it is easier to be a difficult eccentric if you are unemployed? Look at your job as a means of spiritual growth as well as income. 

My Great Commission to you is to preach the gospel to every creature. Do you interpret this to mean only those who are unsaved? Would you consider it a waste of effort to declare the gospel message to someone who had already received it? But this would require you to decide who is saved and who is not, and this violates another commandment not to say, even in your heart, who shall ascend into heaven and who shall descend into hell. If your life is an expression of my message you will connect with other believers easily enough. You can fulfill my Great Commission without violating another commandment. 

Do you expect to pay once or many times for the things you buy? You would object to paying more than once, but are there things you pay for over and over? Bad choices lead to bad consequences. When you recognize this you can repent and receive forgiveness, but the consequences still remain. If you live a life of regret for things in the past you cannot change, it is like paying for them over and over again without end. I came to give you and abundant life. Do you believe that this can start now regardless of your past or your current circumstances? Release what you cannot change and accept it, and receive the grace I offer you in your current state to move forward into abundant life. 

Do you listen to music all the time? In ancient times live music was the only option, so quality and selection were limited. Now you have a virtually unlimited selection of virtual music, available continuously. Music is universally appealing, although tastes differ, and my word affirms its importance in worship. You have you ever found it to be a distraction? Do you hold a conversation and listen to music at the same time? I can speak to you through music but some things are better spoken with silence as a background. I won’t turn off your music but if you want to hear me speak consider doing it yourself.

Are you certain of the truth of the gospel message and that it is universal? It is what everyone needs. Yet you are also called a sojourner and to continue to seek the truth. Do you think your presentation of the gospel message will be better received by unbelievers if you do it with complete certainty or if you do it as one who is also in the process of seeking? There is an element of mystery to your faith and it is OK to acknowledge that. Those who deny it and claim to have all the answers can come across as arrogant. You can be sure enough of universal and eternal truth to introduce people to me.

How do you view faiths other than your own? If you are persuaded that your own faith is true then are you tempted to express contempt and ridicule for others? Yet you are called not only to present my gospel message to every creature but also to win souls, implying that you should be effective. This requires wisdom and expressing contempt and ridicule toward those you would reach is unwise. Wisdom in this case implies that there is no single formula to apply in all cases, but as Paul said, I become all things to all people that I might save some. If you are led by the Spirit you will be able to disagree and declare truth in a way that leads to life rather than division. 

I told my followers to let their light so shine before men that their good works may be visible. What light does this involve? Some believers will say this is the light of Christ in us and that is correct. Yet the passage says, ‘your light’. You have a unique identity and my light in you has a unique expression. I haven’t called you to give someone else’s light, so don’t look to them to imitate their light. At best this will be seen as inauthentic. I want you to know and have the confidence that the light given to you is from me, and to let it shine so people glorify me. 

What is the essence of your faith? Essence is a unique substance or property that defines something. Many perfumes are based on the essential oils of flowers. Flowers contain other things but their essence is unique to their identity. So it is with the practice of your faith. How much of it is essential? There is a human and institutional tendency to add to it. Some add different things than others creating an unnecessary division. Worse, those outside may object to the additions without objecting to the basic message of the gospel. If they are to be offended, at least let it be for the right reasons. Are you willing to reduce the gospel to its essence to see it spread? 

The conventions of society are based on the age of majority. For the purpose of law it is assumed that full adulthood is reached at 18 or 21 depending on the privilege in question. Is this really true? If it is then there is a basis for the assumption that there is only decline and loss beyond this age, but this is a false model. True maturity is not just age, but with normal development it increases with age, including the development of wisdom. Society as a whole may value every aspect of youth, but those with wisdom see the value of the gifts that only come with the real maturity of age.