Dale Cresap's blog

Did you have to go through an application and interview process for your current job? These are typical activities in a market economy. Do you have any ‘jobs’ that you didn’t apply for? You may have some unpaid activities that you perform diligently and regularly as responsibilities that you take seriously. You may find greater meaning and purpose in these things than you do in the job you get paid for. Perhaps that is why you do them. If man does not live by bread alone, then he also does live by monetary activities alone.

Do you help the poor? Is there any stronger direction in the Bible for your responsibility toward others? Do you live in a country that levies taxes and takes on the task of relief for the poor as a function of government? If this is the case, do you think of paying your taxes as discharging your responsibility to the poor? This is a really abstract argument and indirect means of assistance. Can real charity be so impersonal? If I love a cheerful giver do you get credit for being cheerful about paying your taxes?

Do you make mistakes? If there is one thing that is universally agreed on, it is that everyone makes mistakes. What word is most commonly used to describe mistakes? Aren’t they more often referred to as stupid mistakes than anything else? Do you find it discouraging that something considered inevitable is also considered stupid? There is another way of looking at this. Have you learned from your mistakes, not only how to avoid the same errors in the future, but also humility and patience toward others, being more gracious and accepting of their shortcomings?

Is it better to be special or be loved? Everyone wants to be special, but this isn’t possible without comparison to others, for the term only has meaning in that context. So the real meaning of special is ‘more special’ and it necessarily brings in a competitive dominance hierarchy. Are you secure enough in your own unique identity that you don’t need to play a game of relative worth? This striving adds stress, insecurity and pride to your life for there will always be those you rate as being above or below you. There is an alternative.

For most of human history, people have been bound to the surface of the earth. This has given a limited perspective, but that limit no longer applies. With the advent of flight, and then travel into space, a larger perspective is available. Does a view from a high elevation give you a comprehension of things in their true relationships that isn’t available from the surface? This has only been available recently, but this is the way I have always seen my creation. Throughout time I have shared it with those who desired and valued it. Are you one of these?

You will encounter difficulty in life and this is unavoidable. I told my followers that in the world they would have tribulation. This occurs for believer and unbeliever alike. I do not expect you to seek it, but at the same time if you make it your life goal to avoid difficulty you will lead a diminished life and still be unsuccessful. What should you do? You need a firm enough foundation to make suffering bearable, a large enough and strong enough life narrative to hold it.

What does Shalom mean to you? Do you encounter it in the Psalms and think of it as an invitation to pause and reflect? It means that, and peace, and so much more. It is an all-encompassing expression for the rule of God on earth, and relates to the prophets declarations of a time when the lion will lie down with the lamb, and they shall beat spears into pruning hooks and swords into plowshares. So this is a very large concept. I came declaring the Kingdom of God.

Do you keep finding issues in your life that require correction or resolution? As you get older, do you find this process to be discouraging, thinking that the corrections should become infrequent and eventually cease altogether? What do you expect when you drive your car? Whenever the car is in motion you should be steering and you think this is normal. You don’t expect the corrections to cease as you approach your destination. Can you apply this same concept to your spiritual life? The only way to go wrong is to park your spiritual ‘car’ and remain stationary.

I told my followers to consider the lilies of the field and other examples from nature that they should not worry about their material provision for their Father in heaven knew their needs and would provide them. Has anything changed since then? Even in your modern affluent culture do people worry about what they may acquire? Yet this story was taught in the context of seeking first the Kingdom of God. The deal I offered was that if you would focus your attention on things above and pursue transcendent values then I would take care of your needs in this world. Will you take the deal?

Have you heard the church referred to as a social club? This is not meant as a compliment either by those within or without, but do not be too quick to take offense. Social interaction is a valid human need, and it may be easier to accept this reality if you use the more benign term of community. You need a sense of belonging; a connection with those who have a similar identity. I had this with my disciples, who were my constant companions. Would you benefit from more or less contact with those in your own community of faith?