Dale Cresap's blog

Do you think of discipline in a negative sense, the punishment imposed upon you from without for your shortcomings? Look at the high-achieving people you know. Do they have discipline imposed on them, or do they impose it on themselves? They know that a life without discipline and structure is also a life without purpose, character, passion, and achievement. Those who run the race according to the high calling of God focus their efforts and keep their eyes on the prize. They cast off every weight that would hold them back and the sin that would draw them off track that they may run the race I have set before them as winners.

You don’t have to read my word very carefully to find my teaching against hypocrisy. I reserved my strongest statements for hypocrites. I warned against false facades and called some people whitewashed tombs full of dead bones. Yet this is the impulse of humanity. Do you know anyone who doesn’t try to present themselves in the most favorable light? The expression of having an image to uphold is common terminology, but if you ponder the meaning of it you should find nothing to admire in it. Do not be discouraged by this but consider the greatness of the good news of the gospel. I can transform your inner being so it is worth putting on public display.

Do you ever meditate on things you think you already understand? Most people do not take the trouble to revisit things they think are settled matters, but I would encourage you to do so. For even though the basic foundation of your faith is so simple that a child can understand it, these truths are accessible at multiple levels. It is beneficial for you to ponder them again, for I have more to show you. This is not to tear down your foundation, but to expand and enlarge it. Consider my Sermon on the Mount. Doesn’t it address simple concepts, and state them with simple logical structure and vocabulary? Yet what have you read that is more profound?

Do you think that an inheritance is an amount of money you get from your father when he dies? Yet this term has a much broader meaning. Every influence he has in your life could be considered an inheritance, beginning with the circumstances of your birth. You can confidently predict whose children will have a better upbringing and more opportunities, based on the character of their parents. The children of the infamous have a burden to bear. For better or worse this is undeserved. Yet regardless of your inheritance in this world you have a magnificent inheritance from your Father in heaven. 

After my resurrection I met with some of my disciples and walked with them, explaining the significance of the events that had just taken place. They did not recognize me while we were walking, but afterwards they said to one another, ‘did not our hearts burn within us as he spoke?’ They recognized my voice by an invisible response within themselves. Have you ever had this experience yourself? The words I speak are spirit and life, as much to you today as for anyone at any time. They bring an inner witness of peace and conviction and power. He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 

Do you hear from me frequently? Are you wary of the process of hearing from me, thinking that it must be infallible? I am infallible, but your understanding of my voice is not. Does this bother you? Have you ever had a misunderstanding in a conversation with another person? So even speaking face to face with another person is not infallible. Yet this does not prevent you from having conversations with other people and real communication takes place even if there are also errors. So it is between us. You need to hear my voice and as you continue to walk with me the errors in your understanding will be corrected. 

Have you heard it said that truth is relative? This is an attack on the very concept of truth. Truth is not relative, but it is relational. What does this mean? I did not say that I knew the truth, but that I was the truth. I am the embodiment of truth which is inherent in my being. This means that I cannot impart the truth to you and have you practice it apart from me. And so I said that if you continue in my word you would abide in me, and would know the truth and be free. 

Are you quick to judge people who fall in sin, particularly believers? Are you eager to categorize them as good or bad? Do you think it is possible for the same person to have impulses for both good and evil? Paul thought so. He made an eloquent description of two natures at work within himself, affirming that the law was holy and just and good. He recognized sin at work within him and saw that he was unable to do what he knew was right. In his dilemma he cried out for deliverance and turned to apply the law of the Spirit of life to make him free from the laws of sin and death. Do you see the same struggle in yourself? Recognize that it is present in others as well.

Are you reluctant to give unsolicited advice? You have heard the modern proverbs about the value of free advice and perhaps have received some yourself that you were not looking for. You may have resented this as an unwelcome intrusion but have you not also appreciated time when someone pointed out an opportunity or danger that was unknown to you? Wouldn’t you want to do this for others as well? The best advice you can give anyone is to introduce them to me. This is the great commission I gave you, to go into all the world proclaiming the good news of the gospel to every creature. I did not tell you to do this only if they inquired of you. You are to take the initiative and in this sense you are giving unsolicited advice. Yet the gospel message you give is the only source of life and redemption for the world. Give it freely. 

Have you ever heard of all men referred to as gentlemen, as an announcer would say, ‘Ladies and Gentlemen’? Yet not all men are gentle. In a coarse culture there are no clearly defined standards but here is a general rule. Women and children feel safe around a man who is truly gentle. This is not based on a list of manners or externally observed conduct but is more a matter of discernment of intent and character. Children in particular are sensitive to such things. They seem to know when loud and boisterous men can be trusted and when those who give the appearance of being calm and reserved cannot. Children were drawn to me. If my life is manifested in you they will be drawn to you as well.