Dale Cresap's blog

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.

How much popular support do you need? Do you find it hard to stay on task if you don’t feel appreciated? Is it worse to have indifference or opposition to your efforts? At least if you have opposition you know that someone notices. How hard is it to go against the crowd? Everyone likes to have widespread approval for their efforts, but dependence on this involves the surrender of internal direction and makes you subject to external influences. I spoke highly of the prophets but also pointed out how hated and persecuted they were in their own generation.

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.