Do you have an attitude of gratitude? This rhythmic phrase has become a popular proverb, but it has underlying substance. This is a good place to start, but not a good place to end. What concrete actions do you take to express your gratitude? What about the people in your life that you love; that you are closest to? Are you aware of how much your own life is enriched by contact with them? Do they know how grateful you are for them? How can they know if you don’t tell them? What about all the favorable circumstances and conditions in your life for which there is no person to thank?

Do you practice virtue signaling? If you say the right things you can give the impression of righteousness. This was a common practice in my time and I spoke out against it. I said that you should give your alms in secret and pray in secret rather than publicly to be seen by others and that your Father in heaven would reward you openly. Note that the emphasis here is on externals. Do you think this practice is less prevalent now than it was in my time? This is an enduring principle, to avoid the conflict between seeking the approval of men and doing things for my sake alone.

Do you know any workaholics? This derogatory term refers to those who are addicted to work. They don’t just have a strong work ethic, but derive their sense of worth and being from performance. Before you are too critical of them, consider that at least they are accomplishing something. What about those who worry, or are fearful, or angry? I said there was no benefit to worry because you could not add to your stature by doing so or even turn one hair white or black. Yet chronic worry comes at an enormous cost. Do you believe that the troubles of the day are sufficient thereof?

Are you special? Everyone wants to be special, and in their own way, they are. The problem is that everyone really wants to be more special, so their own uniqueness is not enough. This creates a competition and hierarchy. The underlying problem is one of insecurity. If you don’t know who you are, and don’t know that you are accepted and loved just the way you are, then you will be looking for an identity and trying to make it superior to the identity of others.