By what name do you address me? My followers refer to me by more than one name, and each one thinks that theirs is correct, but I answer to more than one name. There are many names for me in scripture. Some of these names, such as providence, imply a distant and impersonal force. Such names have an element of transcendence, but they lack imminence. My followers were shocked when I told them it was acceptable to address deity as ‘Abba’, but I wanted to drive home the point that imminence was as important as transcendence. Does your name for me include both concepts?

Is there an author or teacher that you particularly admire? Do you accept everything they say? If you encounter a statement by anyone that you strongly disagree with, are you prone to reject everything they say? These positions attach too much importance to the individual. They are based on the standard of infallibility which is too high a standard to expect of anyone and following it will cause you to reject things that would benefit you. The standard that I have given you is to prove all things and hold fast that which is good.

Do flowers seem like the most delicate and beautiful of structures? You have seen how the blooms unfold when conditions are right. I want to see truth unfold in you the same way. I am meek and lowly of heart. I would not impose truth upon you by force because I want you to embrace it rather than resist it. The more eager you are for truth to unfold in you the sooner it will happen, and this is beneficial for you, but I am patient if that is required. The blossom of a flower is a necessary step in the process of bearing fruit.

Who are the best Christians you know? Perhaps I should rephrase the question. Who are the best people you know? For most people someone comes to mind. What criteria do you use to select one instead of another? Did you pick the one who was the most knowledgeable about scripture, or the one most fervent in belief? Or did you pick the one who had the most loving demeanor and generosity of spirit? If you have trouble deciding revisit my stories about the sheep and the goats and the Good Samaritan. It is normal for you to admire such people and want to be like them.