Dale Cresap's blog

Do you consider my body to be a single entity? This Biblical illustration is so strong that no other answer can be given. There is one body with many members. The fact that there are easily distinguishable denominations and sects with clear differences in doctrine and culture and practice should not diminish your perception that there is one Body. Even if you are committed to a local assembly and involved in its programs I want your primary identification to be with me. Note that I called you to a body which is a stronger image of unity than a club or organization. There is one Lord, one calling, and one baptism. 

Are you always thinking about me? I am always thinking about you. I don’t make this statement to put you under a burden of guilt or manipulation. I’m not trying to shame you into changing your devotional focus. I have infinite capacity and I am aware that you do not. I make this statement for the purpose of blessing and encouragement. Even when you are sleeping or your mind wanders or the cares of this world overwhelm you I am on job watching out for you, taking care of you, and perfecting that which concerns you. You are always on my mind and my thoughts toward you are of peace to give you a future and a hope.

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.