Dale Cresap's blog

Students applying to prestigious academic programs must demonstrate that they have developed the discipline and perseverance to excel. In other words, they must prove that they can make a difference in their own lives. This is desirable and necessary beyond the world of academics. It should be true for every disciple following me. What about making a difference in the lives of others? This is a still more demanding task, but of what value is your virtue if it applies to you alone? You have your reward.

Do you expect gifts to be labeled to identify the recipient? This makes it clear who the gift is intended for. Yet there is a type of gift that is not meant for the one receiving it. Does this seem like a riddle and a paradox and a mystery to you? The gifts that I give do not come wrapped in colored paper. They come wrapped in people like you, for I have not neglected anyone. Yet I didn’t give your gift to you for your own consumption. Have you met people who bestow all that I have given them on themselves? Is there anything less attractive?

Have you heard people give testimonies and then declare that all the glory is due to me? Have you heard testimonies in which it is not obvious from the story how much of the glory is due unto me and how much is due unto them? People tend to tell stories that reflect well on them. It is good for you to acknowledge me, and I don’t expect you to bear your shortcomings openly. Paul was in a dilemma about presenting his own credentials and concluded that he would only boast in the Lord.

Have you heard of the practice of church hopping? In some circles it is considered an act of betrayal to change affiliation from one church to another, and within these circles the length of tenure at a particular church is regarded as a measure of spiritual maturity. Can there be valid reasons for changing church affiliation? Yes, but the motive makes a difference. The term church hopping implies that those who leave are offended and disgruntled, and you have seen this happen. They go from church to church unaware that they are taking their problems with them.

Do you resent your need for sleep? Have you ever thought about how much more you could accomplish if you didn’t require it? If you didn’t get any sleep, you wouldn’t accomplish very much, and would not survive for long. Not everything that is necessary for your life can be captured on your ‘to-do’ list. Much takes place while you are asleep even if you are unaware of it, and these things are restorative. Sleep is essential for your body, mind, and spirit. Don’t you feel refreshed after a good night’s sleep? Medical science can describe the ways your body and mind are restored.

Are you desired? Is there any more validating human experience than being wanted? Yet you live in a competitive world in which the hierarchy of desirability is strictly enforced, and those who are desired know it and those who are not know it as well. This is true in the job market and in romance. Is there any realm of human interaction where this doesn’t play a role? The downside is the pain of rejection which is as real as the pain you feel in your nerves. Those who do not win the lottery of human desirability can take comfort in the fact that I want them.

I said  that John the Baptist was a  prophet, and others said the same of me. Both of us operated outside of the structure and organization of the established faith practice. You see the same principle in effect through the Old Testament as well. Prophets were not priests or kings who had title and office. They were all voices crying in the wilderness, yet called and commissioned by God to bring necessary words of correction that they would not have been able to deliver from within the organization. The need for this ministry has not gone away. Who do you think of as a prophet today?

Do you think of food as spiritual? Do you know of churches that put more emphasis on potlucks than sermons, or for which events involving food draw a larger turnout? Don’t be so quick to criticize. How many of my miracles involved food or wine? How many of my ministry opportunities and key events in my life took place when food was served? What elements did I instruct my followers to use to commemorate my death? Haven’t you observed from your own experience how breaking bread with others builds community and overcomes isolation? In this regard food serves a spiritual purpose.

Have you ever changed your mind? This phrase is normally used to state that you have arrived at a new opinion on some issue, ranging from political policy to trivial preferences. It is not usually understood to mean that you have acquired an entirely new mind. Yet is this something you need? Your old way of thinking is more than a set of opinions. It flows out of your world view. I offer you an entirely new world view and corresponding way of thinking. This is referred to as being transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Have you ever told anyone something in confidence? When you did, did you state clearly that it was to be held in confidence? Did you go further and insist on an affirmative promise before you told your secret? Have you had others impose such conditions on you? If you are an honest and trustworthy person, you should be able to figure out which things you are free to tell and which you are not, without being told or requiring a promise. Confidence can be implied. Some things are not yours to tell even if they are true.