Dale Cresap's blog

What is the worst insult you can make or receive? Is it that someone is irrational? This is to imply that everything should flow from evidence through reasoning to conclusions in a linear, methodical, rigorous and unemotional process. Is this premise itself up for scrutiny? Is this the way life really works? How much of your life is structured this way, or that of anyone you know? And there is a fine line between reason as outlined above and rationalism in which the process happens in reverse and reasons are invented to justify prior conclusions.

Do you want to change the world? Many people who want to make the world better fail in the attempt because they are not transformed themselves. You can’t succeed in fighting hatred and anger with hatred and anger. This just leads to a cycle of escalating opposition. Do you understand that if you want to change the world the first change must occur in you? Do you think you only need more power to make things happen? Power without transformation is dangerous. With transformation you will find that you already have all the power you need. When you are converted, strengthen your brethren.

You know that grace is a free gift. Do you conclude from this that the Christian life and discipleship are effortless? What has been your experience? Have you found that believing releases you from all pain and suffering, from all sorrow and sacrifice and strenuous effort? If this is not your experience then you are in good company with your fellow believers throughout history. How do you reconcile this with free grace? Paul said that the suffering in this world is not worthy to be compared to the glory to be revealed in us.

Have you heard that everything comes at a price? You know that grace is free, but what about everything else? You know that not all costs are monetary, and some are hidden. Economists speak of opportunity cost, that you can only do one thing at a time, and so a commitment to do one thing costs you the opportunity to do other things. Trade-offs are inevitable in life, but do not let this discourage you. It is beneficial for you to know the truth, and walk in the light.

I call on you to love your enemies. Do you extend human dignity to them? Certainly you have heard others make up derogatory names for prominent persons (and others) they dislike. Have you ever done this? It is easy to withhold common courtesy from those you disagree with, but is this justifiable? Do you see them as totally alien to you? But you all belong to the same brotherhood of humanity. Are you fussy about who is your brother? I responded to a similar question about who is my neighbor, and the answer was broader than the questioner liked.

Are you constantly looking for things to do more of? Your culture operates on the principle that more is better in every area of life. Does this always work in your favor? Is your life already filled up with activities? So if you find something new that you must incorporate into your life you will have to choose something that you have already committed to doing that you can do less of. I did promise you and abundant life. Would you describe everything that you are currently busy with as contributing to abundance? The things you give your time to you give your heart to.

Do you understand the concept of presence? People who are with you aren’t necessarily with you. They can be distracted, so that even if they are present in body they can be absent in spirit. You have been aware of this in others and they have in you too. I am not with you in body right now, but I am always with you in Spirit. Are you aware of this? Do you find your awareness of my presence is greater when you are alone than when you are with other people?

Do you resent the troubles in your life and the times that you need to trust me for basic necessities? You could look at this as a consequence of the fall, or you could see it in a more positive light. I have chosen the poor to be rich in faith. What do you notice about the affluent and self-sufficient? Their abundance allows them to live at ease, with no conscious awareness of dependence. The poor do not have this luxury. Atheism, when not imposed by a regime, is more prevalent among those who are well-off.

Do you know that there are many types of questions? The most basic form is a request for information. Yet you are also familiar with trick questions, leading questions, and loaded questions. So don’t think that all questions are innocent. I encountered loaded questions myself, from my adversaries who were trying to trap me. I responded to their false dichotomies with transcendent truth. Have you ever asked me a loaded question? This could be one that challenges my goodness and benevolent intent about events in your life.

Do you think that sin normally involves sex or money? What about the first sin? Sex and money were not issues for sin in the garden, but I told the inhabitants not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, lest they die. You live in a culture that values knowledge highly, so much so that it is even called an information culture. Learning is universally sought and admired. Most people don’t think of this as a sin. Do you?