Dale Cresap's blog

Do you believe in the brotherhood of all mankind? Even if you find someone with a completely different background in race and culture and beliefs they are still created in my image and you can relate to them on the basis of shared humanity. This principle is difficult to put into practice even if you affirm it in theory. Attempting to overcome these barriers makes you realize how strong they are.

In ancient times some monarchs were given the title, the defender of the faith. In a sense this title cannot be assigned to one person for I told all my followers to proclaim the good news of the gospel to every creature, to let their light so shine before men that they may glorify me, and to do and teach all that I had commanded them. Yet have you encountered people who take upon themselves the responsibility of setting everyone else straight for every doctrine?

Have you heard of people referred to as ‘high maintenance’ or ‘low maintenance’? This is a readily apparent metaphor and you prefer the company of low maintenance people who are not demanding but there is another category to consider that is better still. They could be called negative maintenance people because they are spontaneously life giving rather than demanding at any level. Can you think of anyone that meets this description? Such people are attractive in a way that surpasses the attractiveness of appearance and charm.

Have you ever heard someone refer to their ‘lot in life’? Such a declaration is one of resignation and defeat rather than triumph. You may face circumstances in life that you would like to change but are unable to. Do you see these as a limitation or a curse? I promised my followers that in this world they would have tribulation, but that they should still be of good cheer, for I had overcome the world. Some of my most prominent followers were imprisoned and afflicted and tormented, yet they still lived with a sense of destiny. You can do the same. I will not permit your circumstances to interfere with the plans I have for you. 

Do you think of the Christian life only in terms of blessing and abundance? These are true, but I also told you to lay down your life and pick up your cross and follow me. Do you make it a goal of your life to avoid any association with the cross? If you don’t have one of your own I will make one for you. It may not be obvious at casual observation that this is beneficial for you but I assure you that this too is a manifestation of my goodness to you. Therefore do not resist my work in your life and do not complain about carrying your cross. If you receive it from me and carry it with grace and dignity it is an eloquent testimony that you are on the path of life seeking my Kingdom above. 

Do you think of tension only in a negative sense? Kites fly, but not in the same sense as birds and airplanes. Paradoxically kites can only fly when they are tethered to the ground. There is tension in the kite string and if the string is released the kite will fall and blow away. You can fly like a kite with the wind of the spirit providing lift and holding you aloft. Yet you are human rather than a disembodied spirit and you need the attachment to the present material reality of your life to keep you grounded in this world. These two concepts are in tension but like the kite string this tension is necessary for you to fly. 

Have you criticized others or received criticism yourself for a weak attachment to a local church? Yet church involvement is not a guarantee of a strong spiritual life. There should be a strong correlation between these things but haven’t you observed examples of one without the other in both ways? Those who make such a criticism should examine themselves as to whether they correctly discern my body which includes all believers. A body isn’t just a collection of parts. The parts must be connected and interact for there to be life. I want you to discern my whole body as a single living entity. 

Do you love to tell people about your church? You may think that your church does things correctly where others do not, but those in other churches or unaffiliated with any church are not easily impressed. I want you to practice your faith in good conscience in the light revealed to you, but yours is not the only way I will accept. Do not judge another man’s servant, for he answers to his own master and I am pleased to accept a wide variety of forms and practices. The Great Commission I have given you is not to advance your own church but to preach the good news of the Kingdom to every creature. 

Have you encountered people who are full of themselves? Did you find them to be wearisome? The need to dominate a conversation and prove worth are not attractive qualities. You do not know what gave rise to their insecurity and neediness and even if you do you are not to judge them any more than you would someone else. Yet they can serve as a lesson to you of a road you do not want to take. What type of people are you attracted to? Isn’t it those who carry themselves lightly, with no apparent need to prove their worth to you? You do well to emulate this attitude but it doesn’t happen automatically. Find your identity in me and it will be secure. 

Do you find that people talk about topics of interest to them? I said that the gentiles seek after the things that they eat, drink, and wear. Do you find yourself less and less interested in these conversation topics of your friends who are not seeking my Kingdom? Do you find that your conversations with those walking the same path you are to be refreshing and full of life? I said that those who feared the Lord spoke often one to another and I hearkened and heard it, and wrote a book of remembrance for those who feared me and thought upon my name, and they shall be mine when I make up my special treasure. You want to be in this book.