Do you think of intimacy only in terms of sex? This is the position of your culture, but your culture does not comprehend transcendent things. There is a dimension of intimacy that is human and spiritual without being sexual. At the end of my life on earth, I told my disciples that I called them no longer servants, but friends. I described the depth of my love for them by saying there was no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends. Is there anyone for whom you would lay down your life? Is there anyone who would do it for you?

Do you have a system of beliefs and a local community that holds those beliefs in common? Those beliefs serve as the binding energy of the group. You see this as a beneficial effect and you are right. Do you see any downside to this? Is it possible that the same belief system that binds blinds as well? Does your belief system restrict your view of the world outside it or enlarge it? Does it limit your vision or enlarge it? Does it make you superior to those outside, or does it help you to see connections with everything I made?

Do you depart from the noise and busyness of everyday life to seek me? You have my promise that you will find me if you seek for me with all your heart. You may find this search is easier in a quiet place. When you have found me what do you do? I do not intend that your search for me leave you isolated from others. Consider those who have encountered me in solitary places – Moses, Jacob, David, and many more. They did not remain apart from people, but returned with a clear sense of identity and purpose to carry out the destiny I had prepared for them.

In some sports there are cheerleaders whose task it is to express enthusiasm for the team and the fans. Cheerleaders do not actually take part in the game. Do you find it helpful to have people cheering you on to carry out your assigned tasks? Do you require it? For there are sports in which the athletes exert just as much effort without additional personnel to encourage them. Things can be more subtle in my Kingdom, but the same principles apply. Have you encountered people who gave up on tasks because they felt unappreciated? Anything is easier if people express gratitude for it.