Dale Cresap's blog

If you study the history of my church you will find that there have been great conflicts over doctrinal matters. Some of these still exist, but what do you find that separates the many different churches you see today? Isn’t it more a matter of preferences in style and administration than basic beliefs? So most differences come down to taste in such things as music and degree of exuberance in worship. Everyone has their own preferences, but you should recognize that yours are just that. You are welcome to find one that is a good fit for you, and accept everyone else who makes their own choice.

It is not reasonable or necessary to expect that you will agree with anyone about everything. Yet you should strive for this first of all, that you disagree agreeably. Do you hold your opinions firmly and defend them vigorously? Allow others the space to do the same thing. You hold your freedom of conscience dearly; defend the right of others to do so too. Do not let doctrine become an issue that separates until you have gone many extra miles. You are called to unity with your brothers. This does not require universal agreement. It does require gracious acceptance of others who also belong to my body. 

Do you celebrate Christmas? Most Christians do, although some abstain because of the pagan origins of some traditions. My word says that one esteems one day above another and others esteem every day the same. Both are acceptable to me, and each should be persuaded by his own conscience, and not judge the other. Yet many believers and even unbelievers celebrate Christmas with extravagant excess. Let your celebrations be times of joy rather than burdens. You have learned to look for my redemptive purpose in everything you do. Follow this same principle in the way you celebrate Christmas. 

Are you familiar with the story of the prodigal son? This short story has many important lessons. Do you note that the father was more loving and accepting than the elder brother? This is important to know today because of the abundance of elder brothers operating in the world today. They claim to represent me, but the image they present is harsh and judgmental, and many people have a distorted understanding of me because of their message. I want you to know the truth and walk in the light. Disregard them and come to me that you may know my love and acceptance firsthand. 

Have you ever heard of blessings in disguise? Do you understand that I am with you always, and that means that you are surrounded by grace? This may be obvious when you come to my house of worship, when you pray and read the scriptures. Yet there will come times when this isn’t obvious, in the mundane routines of life, and times when you doubt it, in your trials and afflictions. My presence and grace surround just as much at these times, even if they are deeply hidden. They are easier to see in hindsight. Haven’t you looked back to see how I sustained you during difficulties even though you were not aware of it at the time? I want you to learn to be aware of the consolation of my Spirit when you receive it. 

My word refers to women as weaker vessels. Does this bother you? Note that the purpose and context of the passage is to give honor to women and it is not a statement of value. A string of pearls is weaker than an iron chain, but is not of lesser value. Note also that this occurs in the economy of grace, which is different from the usual striving for equality, or more often, domination. The Kingdom principles of laying down your life, esteeming others better than yourself, and in honor preferring one another apply universally to all at all times. If you can follow these then the question of who is the weaker vessel shouldn’t be an issue. 

In the story of Mary and Martha, it appears that Mary is approved and Martha is rebuked.  Yet I did not condemn Martha for what she was doing.  I just wasn’t willing to impose her demands on Mary. You will go through various stages of development in your spiritual growth. Along the way, you will encounter other people who are at a different place in their spiritual journey. You may ‘know’ what is best for them, or what they should do to advance, but you should consider carefully how to proceed. I am leading them on their path just as I am leading you on yours. If you want to help them, inquire of me as to how I would have you serve my servant. 

Do you understand that your identity does not consist of what you own? I taught that the abundance of a man’s life does not consist of what he possesses. Blessed are those who understand this, but there are some who do who still identify strongly with their own body, and they are not pleased with it. You are not what you weigh. You are surrounded by false images of artificially underweight people and you should not accept this as a standard. There may be good reasons for you to lose weight, but the real essence of your identity is spiritual rather than physical whether you are young and slender and fit or not. 

Do you see the world as a dangerous and hostile place? Do you understand that when I created the world I declared that it was good? Yet you know that you live in a fallen world. What does this mean? Does it negate my declaration at creation, so that the world is no longer good? After the fall there was a flood, and after that I promised seasons for planting and reaping, and I have kept my promise. Look around and decide for yourself if the world even in its present state still sustains life. This is a testimony to the one who created it, who also promised to send sun and rain on both the righteous and the wicked alike.

Do you think there is nothing less spiritual than paying your taxes? I paid my taxes, and it involved a miracle with a fish and a coin. I also answered a question about paying taxes to distinguish between the things that are Caesars, and the things that are Gods. I did not say that the things that are Caesars are inherently spiritual, but I did use the occasion to teach a spiritual lesson. There are some things you must do in this world in the course of your life here, but you don’t have to accept a division of your life into the secular and the spiritual. If I could find a spiritual lesson in paying taxes you can too.