Dale Cresap's blog

Do you agree that the most important aspect of Christian living is becoming like me? I have many aspects to my character, as do you. Which of these do you think it is most important to follow my example? I had all knowledge. Do you obtain Christlikeness by pursuing a university education? What was it that set me apart more than anything else? I did not sin, and I encourage you to follow this example of mine. Yet when most people think of my greatest distinguishing attributes it is kindness and compassion that come to mind. They are right. Focus on these in your own life to represent me in a world of darkness. 

Are you familiar with the rules of social convention? You are whether you can articulate them or not. You tend to associate with those of similar background, education, income level, and beliefs, among other things. In every discernable difference you are drawn to those like you. Even if these are not legally enforceable standards you notice when they are violated. People noticed when I did and I got in trouble for it. But I had a message of love to carry to all people, not just those within my narrow demographic. I have commissioned you to carry the same message to the same audience. Are you willing to get into trouble to reach them? 

Do you vote in elections? You vote with your feet all the time, every day. It is possible to be where you should be and still not doing the right thing, but how can you do what you are called to if you are not even in the right place? The Bible gives the imagery of the Christian life as following me. Don’t be too quick to spiritualize this. It has strong implications for times and places. Pilots and sailors use a compass to navigate, and make the necessary corrections to stay on course. I have given you an internal compass and guide you with peace concerning where to go. Seek me for opportunities where you are or course corrections to lead you into opportunities to serve me. 

Do you think it is important to have a good sense of humor? Do you think there is any spiritual connection to humor? You see much that is crude, profane, and vulgar among those who make their living in comedy, but there are also counterfeits to spiritual gifts. In my time on earth I faced a religious establishment that was grim and humorless and they received my sternest warnings. My word clearly teaches you to rejoice. Can you do this without smiling and laughing? Hypocrites assume that spirituality must be solemn to be reverent, and many accept this without examining it. I have given you much to laugh and cheer about. Don’t be afraid to express it openly. 

Have you considered my servant John the Baptist? I said of him that among those born of women there was none greater. This is a strong statement and I was not given to exaggeration. When you consider the source it was quite a compliment. Yet of himself he said that he must decrease that I must increase. This is a response of true humility. It is only possible after a noteworthy accomplishment is recognized. You must increase before you are in a position to decrease. Do you feel that you have no recognized accomplishments? Advancement comes from me. Settle it in your heart now that when you are recognized you will give glory to me. Then I can trust you to respond correctly when I do great things through you. 

Have you ever been to a spiritual retreat? Did it feature a series of speakers or was it a time to get alone with me? The name implies the latter, but this has become an unfamiliar concept for many of my children. You live in a busy world, and the church has taken on the associated mindset that continuous activity is the norm. Yet some spiritual truth and insights about me and about you are only available in solitary reflection. You may argue that you can do this at any time, but do you? Have you discovered that it is not easy to find a place where you can escape the noise and agitation of this world to focus on seeking me? Yet if you seek this I will provide it as I do all things you desire. 

I taught my disciples that unless a grain of wheat dies it abides alone, but if it dies it brings forth much fruit. I spoke of myself and I had a unique destiny that only I could fulfill. Yet this parable addresses a universal principle. My apostle Paul went on to describe the persecutions, infirmities, and afflictions that he suffered in serving me. So you see the same principle working in him, and he said death worked in him that life might work in his audience. Do you desire to serve me in a way that brings forth life in others? In what ways are you willing to let death work in you to bring it about? 

Do you understand that the Book of Job precedes the law and prophets and covenants, but addresses basic issues of faith that are still pertinent today? I provide you with blessings. What if they were to disappear? Would you still devote yourself to loving, adoring, and obeying me even in their absence? You describe your faith as a relationship with me. Job had this as well. Do you place ultimate value in it even if the secondary benefits go away? Job did and I commended him for it. This is a foundational issue that has not changed. All that has happened since in redemptive history serves to reinforce it. 

Do you think dignity and reverence are important qualities in worship? You can argue that they are desirable traits in all circumstances, but beware that you do not adopt cultural standards that are not in the Bible. David danced before me with all his might in a garment appropriate for dancing. His wife mocked him for his lack of dignity in the presence of his ‘inferiors’, but he defended himself saying his dance was for me, and that he was, in effect, just getting warmed up; he was prepared to go further. My response is not recorded, but her barrenness from then on may be taken as disapproval of her criticism. If you are inhibited in worship do not criticize those who are not. 

There is deep within the human heart a desire to win. This is obvious in commerce, military engagements, and politics. Even these are not enough so you stage athletic competition and other games as contrived contests to compare performance and identify a victor. Do you think this is consistent with Biblical principles? You are engaged in a spiritual struggle with an adversary determined to harm you, your loved ones, and innocent strangers. This is not a game or contrived contest. There are real consequences and your desire to fight and win should be equal to the stakes involved. My word promises that I cause you to triumph and I give you the victory.