How do you learn new things? Don’t you find it easiest to find something similar from previous experience, so you can learn what you do not know based on what you do know? But what if you encounter something entirely unfamiliar? It is harder to learn with no reference points. What if you tried the method above in this situation? You might make it work, but you might end up misunderstanding the new thing you encountered. The message of the gospel is entirely radical.

Are you an evangelist? The Great Commission applies to all believers. Do you take the situation of your audience into consideration in your presentation of my message? If you don’t meet them where they are they will not comprehend what you say. Note the way that Paul and I engaged our audiences where they lived, with examples and illustrations that were meaningful to them. Your first encounter may not give you the opportunity to present the entire message.

Are you aware of the power of ritual? Symbolic actions have the power to take you where your mind alone will not go. Churches used to take this more seriously than they currently do, and the military still does. Yet rituals can become dead and devoid of meaning. I address this matter in my word asking who would close a door for no reason. This is the least of actions, but who would do even this without a purpose? I go on to say that you should not kindle a fire on my altar for no reason. Is it enough that you did the same thing yesterday? That is tradition.

Solomon said that the day of one’s death is better than the day of one’s birth. How could someone so wise make such a statement? Does this seem counterintuitive to you? Don’t you celebrate new arrivals and mourn the departed? Every life starts full of potential, but will that potential be fulfilled? At the end of life there is no more potential, but there is a lifetime of achievement. There are usually more people on hand to commemorate the passing than the arrival. Will the opening statement above be true of you? Live your life and make choices every day so that it is.