Dale Cresap's blog

Do you think that virtual reality is a recent development? Today you can have completely artificial experiences. But how long have you been living in an artificial environment? Do you spend most of your time surrounded by concrete and steel and plastic and glass? What would you call this in comparison to the world of grass and trees and streams and lakes and mountains? Do you find yourself drawn outdoors to experience these things firsthand? Do you find it to be beneficial for you when you do? How many of my earliest followers encountered me in remote wild places? You can too.

Do you know believers who have become atheists because they prayed fervently for something they really wanted and it didn’t happen? Is it all the more poignant if they asked for something noble and selfless? Have you ever had the same experience and remained a believer? You are familiar with the same promises that you shall have whatever you ask for in prayer, so what is the difference? You also know that you are not to put the Lord your God to the test. Are you encouraged when you do see your prayers answered against astronomical odds?

Are you a teacher? You may not hold this job title, and you may not be paid for teaching. I wasn’t, and I never had a position at a formal school, but would you consider me a teacher? If you break it down into simple elements then this term is quite inclusive. Do you know something worthwhile? Are there people who are willing to listen to you share your knowledge?

Are you familiar with the idea of pantheism? This is a claim that everything is divine, and this is held by some faith traditions, but rejected by Christians. Are you familiar with the idea of panentheism? This slight variation makes all the difference. This means that God made all things and so they bear his fingerprints, so to speak, and have a divine intention and purpose. Do you look at everything you see and wonder what this purpose is? You can do this and be faithful to me. In fact, this is a means by which you may increase your awareness, devotion, and the practice of your faith.

Are you familiar with the Bible verse that says many are called but few are chosen? Does this make logical sense? If the same one is doing the calling and the choosing wouldn’t they choose everyone they called? Perhaps the call is an invitation to a response, and the response is up to the one being called. Is this more consistent with your observed experience, that in this world and even more in the eternal realm that there are more opportunities than responses? So you could say that many are called but few choose. What about you? When you hear my call do you respond?

Do you like to be popular, and thrive on the approval of others? But I told my followers to beware when all men speak well of you. You can extend this lesson slightly to say, beware when all men agree with you. This may mean that you are entirely correct in your understanding, and they are too, or it may mean that you don’t know enough people. If you don’t know anyone who challenges your thinking should you rejoice in this, or should you make the effort to seek out those who do? How will you grow if your current state isn’t put to the test?

You have my promise that the meek will inherit the earth. This is widely known and quoted, even by non-believers. Do you believe it? What do you see as a manifest reality? Are the meek in charge, or are they taken advantage of? Do you see this as an outcome that will only occur with divine intervention, and think that I am slow to act on your behalf? You are right that this is not what you would expect based on experience. Moses was the meekest man on earth, and yet he led a nation from captivity to freedom.

Does the source of money matter, or is money as it is commonly supposed, to be the ultimate neutral and value free commodity? If you support a charitable cause, would you rather have donations from school children or from a wealthy crime boss looking to ease his conscience? Would it surprise you to learn that someone earning a hundred dollars is more likely to donate a portion of it than someone who receives the same amount as an entitlement? I said that the widow who gave two mites in the offering gave more than those who gave out of their excess abundance.

Have you ever gone on a journey alone? Don’t you find travelling with a companion so much more enjoyable that you are willing to structure your schedule and even destination around the availability of someone to accompany you? Does this apply to your spiritual journey as well? No one else can take this trip for you, but you can’t take it by yourself either. I will send you the companions you need when you are ready for them and for the next stage of your journey. Haven’t you seen this in practice already? Does your journey feel like wandering?

Is it important to you that people agree with you? This is comforting and reassuring, and it is easier than ever before to find like-minded people to support you. Is it important to you to know the truth? This is a more difficult task. You need to start by accepting the possibility that you (and your friends) may be wrong. You need to subject your beliefs and thoughts and opinions to scrutiny and acknowledge that those outside of your circle may know something you don’t. You may have to let go of cherished positions.