Do you come from a place of great prestige? Some places have a good reputation and those from that location obtain the benefit of association whether they have done anything to earn it or not. You can change your location but you can’t change where you are from. Even in this age of sensitivity one of the last prejudices and biases that can be freely expressed without fear of objection is against small-town and rural people. You are right in thinking that this is unfair, but if you are a victim of it you can take comfort in the fact that I was too. Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

There are many places in the Bible where I refer to my followers as my sheep, such as, my sheep hear my voice. This is a term of endearment. Do you think of it as a compliment? Sheep are known for being docile, dependent, helpless herd animals. People do not consider these qualities as compliments when applied to  themselves. Would you rather be thought of as a predator? Wolves are more widely admired in today’s culture, but the Biblical references are negative, such as wolves who do not spare the flock. The sheep references imply a relationship.

Have you ever had a hangover? This is commonly understood as the consequence of having too much alcohol. Even if you don’t drink, could you have had a similar experience? What about an anger hangover? Have you ever given yourself over to an expression of rage? How did you feel afterwards? Have you found that returning to a place of peace and joy is not immediate or automatic? What other emotions or expressions result in a similar reaction? Bitterness? Shame? Hatred? Taking the side effects of your actions into consideration may spare you some unpleasant consequences.

Are you spiritually fussy, or do you hunger and thirst after righteousness? Have you had difficulty in finding a church that is a good fit for you? Everyone has their preferences and depending on how narrow yours are you may not be able to satisfy them all with what is available to you. But your fussiness regarding food will vary depending on how hungry you are, and you will not starve with food available even if it isn’t your first choice. Do you see how the same principle applies spiritually? Is your spiritual hunger great enough to overcome your fussiness?