Have you ever been lied to, or believed something you later found was untrue? This is understandably devastating. Consider the other side of the coin. Have you ever found that there is truth outside of your tradition? This situation is not as severe, for who would claim to know everything? Yet this too can be devastating for those who have been brought up and indoctrinated in a world view that is small and self-contained.
Do you think the gospel message is for the poor or the rich? You could say everyone, but that would avoid a valid issue. The Bible says not many rich or noble are called. What is your own experience? Do you find your fellow believers drawn more from the top of society or the bottom? What is the incentive for those who are well-off in this world to seek the Kingdom of God? They are winning in the present system and have their reward. Those who are not have a stronger incentive to seek a place of refuge in the world above and they have my promise that they will find it.
Have you ever heard of magical thinking? Have you ever been accused of it? This term is not used as a compliment, and it is often directed toward believers. The implication is that anything that can’t be fully explained by rational inquiry is superstitious and doesn’t really exist. Yet everyone including the skeptics and critics considers some things to be important that don’t yield to systematic analysis. These would include love and suffering and beauty and death. Spirituality is not magic, but it is a way to address the questions of identity and belonging and meaning.
Are you a marked man? This phrase is used to refer to someone designated for a special purpose, and sometimes has a literal meaning. Indigenous peoples still practice initiation rites to mark transitions and many of these involve permanent markings. Lest you roll your eyes at these “primitive” practices consider that I gave circumcision to my people as a covenant ritual. Paul experienced this, but this isn’t what he was referring to when he said, I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Not all marks are external and visible.
Do you find meaning in silence? There are some faith traditions in which silence is an intentional practice. How have you experienced silence in connection with other people? Since a conversation involves speaking by turns, silence is necessary on the part of the one who is listening. So silence can be an active attending presence, and among intimates this presence is real and profound even when neither is speaking. But silence can also indicate a passive withdrawal, disengagement, and absence. How do you experience silence in a spiritual context?
Are you familiar with the Great Commission? Go ye into all the world and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all I have commanded you. Christians refer to this task as evangelism. It is also less commonly known by the term proselytizing. This term is so broadly defined that it can be applied to any attempt to get anyone to change their mind about anything. Evangelism certainly is that, but much more besides. Have you found it is a far greater challenge to make disciples than it is to get someone to profess belief? Do not be discouraged.
Have you heard it said that religion and politics should not be discussed in polite company? But these are things that matter. Does this imply that you should only discuss things that do not matter? Because these things do matter people feel strongly about them, and this can lead to contention. How can you discuss these important topics without starting a fight? You can start by viewing the people you encounter in the essence of their humanity rather than as the embodiment of the sum of their opinions.
Have you ever had a bad day? Do you see this as an excuse to be grumpy? In this way you can pass your bad day along to others who would otherwise not be a party to it. Can you conduct yourself with grace and kindness toward others even when things are not going well for you? If you have immunity to a disease you will not get it even if you are exposed. If you can be gracious in trials then you have immunity from being contagious, and if you can refuse to take offense at the bad moods of other people then you have immunity from them. I gave you an immune system for your body.
Do you believe in justice? What aspect of justice do you think is most important? Retribution is punishment for wrongdoing, restoration is about preventing future offenses. One looks to the past and the other looks to the future. Which of these aspects is emphasized in the criminal justice system of your country? Which is emphasized in my word? Consider such statements as, it is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance, and, neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more. Which do you prefer for yourself?
Do you see yourself as the member of a tribe? Do you think this term applies only to indigenous peoples? You belong to a tribe whether you realize it or not. Do you prefer to receive instruction from members of your own race, culture, denomination, educational and economic level? If so, this indicates the tribe that you belong to. There were 12 tribes in ancient Israel but they all belonged to one nation. Each had their own unique value and purpose. The same principle applies today. Do you want the Spirit to lead you into all truth?
