Dale Cresap's blog

Do you push back against everything you consider to be false, or do you pick your battles? There is an understandable impulse to respond to every false expression, but you may encounter too many to refute. Consider the example of my own life. I faced false accusations that I challenged, such as the time that I was accused of being demon possessed. But when I was on trial for my life I remained silent in the face of false witnesses. Statements by those who are wrong do not compel you to answer. You can choose a receptive time to speak the truth, and be proactive rather than reactive.

Are you familiar with the passage of scripture that is normally read at the time of communion, so let a man examine himself, lest he partake in an unworthy manner? Have you ever abstained from communion on this basis? This was not my intent. The call to examine yourself is not an occasion for judgment and condemnation, but of review and reckoning. Note that the passage does not call you to abstain, but to examine. If you find issues to resolve do so on the spot. It is beneficial if this process brings you to an awareness of the magnitude of my grace in your life.

Do you hear the term ‘narcissism’ more frequently these days? Do you think this problem is becoming more prevalent, or is the term just coming into more widespread use? Selfishness as a part of the human condition is nothing new, but the public manifestation of it can increase or decline. If you know that narcissism is bad, then what is the opposite quality you should strive for? The human condition also includes a longing for self-transcendence. Don’t you identify with a desire to move beyond your own self-interest? Can you get there on your own?

Do you know that you have a unique identity? Do you know that you also have a unique destiny that only you can fulfill? You should look at being yourself as a full time job. Yet how many people do you know who are trying to be someone other than who they are? You could call this hero worship, or emulation, or adoration, or attachment, or being a fan. That the concept goes by so many names shows how prevalent it is. But you cannot live someone else’s life, and if you attempt to do so you cannot live your own. Do not reject the gift that I have given to you alone.

Do you understand that you bear the responsibility for what you say? Blessed are those who speak in such a way that they are prepared to stand by what they say. Do you apply a lower standard to words of others that you repeat? Does it make it easier to speak ill-considered or imprudent words if you can attribute them to someone else? Yet if they come out of your mouth you have made them your own. Have you heard of statements referred to as not worth repeating? There is a valid basis for this sentiment. But  there also are words that are worth repeating.

Are you happy? Are you leading a meaningful life? Do you see these as the same thing? People have different views of happiness and how to obtain it. Some people in the pursuit of happiness will lead lives of pleasure and self-indulgence. Does this make them truly happy? Others lead lives of great sacrifice and strenuous effort on behalf of a noble cause that they esteem greater than their own comfort and ease. Does this seem like a peculiar way to pursue happiness? Yet it is a better way to find meaning, and who can be happy without a meaningful life?

Are you an evangelist? Some believers think of this as a special office that does not apply to them, but my Great Commission was given to all who would follow me. Yet this is not limited to proselyting for the faith. It is the inescapable condition of humanity. Everyone has something they are enthusiastic about. It may be the way they earn their living, or their favorite team or hobby. This is their preferred subject of conversation, and even without intending to they argue on behalf of the value of their interest. So the question isn’t whether or not you are an evangelist, but what for.

Where do you expect help to come from? Looking to me is a good practice. What form do you expect my assistance to take? Do you expect the heavens to part and have clearly supernatural divine intervention? How often has this happened for you? Yet I still provide for you. Are you disappointed if it comes in very ordinary everyday ways? I can do whatever I want and if I prefer to work in ways that are not obvious, I will. What is a proper response from you? Are you just as aware that it is from me if it is not a miracle? Are you just as grateful?

Do you see yourself as limited by your limitations? Does this sound obvious and absurd to consider otherwise? Yet do you see this as a limitation on what I can do through you? A different type of logic applies here. The more you see your limitations and the less certain you are of your own abilities, the more I can use you, that the excellency of  the power may be mine and not yours. Humble yourself under me and I will pour out my Spirit on you.

Who do you go to for help? Who goes to you? Everyone has someone they go to in their hour of need, but not everyone is on someone else’s list to seek out. People have an intuitive sense or well-founded experience as to who is willing, capable, and available to assist others, and these are sought out while others are not. Which one are you? Do you recall the story of the Good Samaritan? He took the initiative to show kindness to a stranger.