Dale Cresap's blog

What is the source of authority? Politicians claim a mandate from winning an election. Lesser office holders are appointed by them, and the military has a well-defined hierarchy of rank. There is a similar structure in the world of commerce, and academic credentials for those in academia. Churches also have a structure of authority, often with many levels. Can anyone from outside the system exercise authority? Some people seem to carry it within themselves, or have had extreme experiences that confer it.

How often do you say, ‘but I could be wrong’? Do you avoid doing this whenever you can, being more comfortable with certainty within yourself and more comfortable projecting an image of certainty? It is reassuring to have everything settled and resolved in your mind, but this comfort comes at a price. It puts you in a position where you are unable to learn and receive additional truth. Are you accustomed to doing everything right on your first attempt? Few would claim this, but it is the unspoken premise of being unwilling to revisit your positions. Truth is sturdy.

Are you a hero? Would you like to be one? Do you assume that heroes are larger than life figures with super powers and courage who prevail in impossible tasks? Would that make it impossible for you to be one? This club is not that exclusive. The door is open to anyone, with any abilities, at any time. All you have to do is commit yourself to a cause greater than yourself. Isn’t this the common theme of all heroic stories?

Do you find it easy to trust people? What is your default position? Do you wait for people to prove themselves before you trust them, or do you trust them until they give you a reason not to? Does the second approach seem too trusting? There can be problems with each approach. It is easy to see the problems of being too trusting. You can be taken advantage of. It is harder to see the problems of not trusting enough, but this will cost you opportunities that would have enriched your life if you had acted on them.

Do you see evangelism as a one-sided activity or a matter of give and take? Have you been through systematic training in methods of evangelism? Did they include listening to the stories and positions of other people? Do you recall my encounter with a woman at a well? This has been used as a template for evangelism ever since. Do you see how I engaged in a conversation with her? How eager are you to listen to canned presentations, sales pitches, or people who don’t listen to you? If you want your message of life to be received be prepared to listen as much as you speak.

Have you ever heard an invocation? This is a slightly old-fashioned term for a prayer, typically at the beginning of an event, for the purpose of welcoming my presence. But what is really being invoked? I am present before you offer the prayer, so it is really more of an acknowledgment of what already exists. In like manner scientists do not create physical laws, but rigorous research makes discoveries of how the world worked all along. I am pleased to have you acknowledge me, so keep making invocations, but do it as an inquiry and openness to my redemptive purpose in that situation.

Do you know that I a coming back? I promised that I would, and told my followers to watch for my return. Some of them created elaborate scenarios complete with schedules and this is not really the same thing. Do you watch for me? On earth I declared that the Kingdom of God was coming, and was here. It has been ever since. You have my promise that I am with you always, and that my Kingdom is within you. Do you have ears to hear and eyes to see? If you do then you can watch for me without waiting, for you will be able to watch and see me now. Those who can’t will have to wait.

Have you been through a revival? These are times of intense spiritual activity in the lives of churches and individuals, and are opportunities for growth for both. Devout believers would like to have them constantly, but experience has shown that they can’t be scheduled. They are sovereign works and come at appointed times and run their course. Yet what have you found to be true on an individual level? If you turn your heart to me for renewal, have I ever refused you?

Do you understand that I will never leave you or forsake you? It is one thing to hold this as a doctrinal position and another to experience it as a lived reality. I am faithful even when you are unaware, but this arrangement works better when you are aware of my presence with you. This gives you peace and confidence. With this you can do with deliberate intention things you would be fearful to do otherwise. Don’t you find the presence of a sympathetic friend to be comforting and encouraging?

Do you think you are prepared to serve me in important ways? Are you prepared to lead others in the way of life? Don’t think that you need to know everything to do this. There are many aspects to life, and you are more knowledgeable about some than others. In areas where you are further advanced you can provide guidance for others. In their areas of expertise they can help you. So this doesn’t have to be a formal hierarchy, and it can be a two way street. Every member of the body supplies something the other needs, and in turn needs things that only others can give.