Is it better to be special or be loved? Everyone wants to be special, but this isn’t possible without comparison to others, for the term only has meaning in that context. So the real meaning of special is ‘more special’ and it necessarily brings in a competitive dominance hierarchy. Are you secure enough in your own unique identity that you don’t need to play a game of relative worth? This striving adds stress, insecurity and pride to your life for there will always be those you rate as being above or below you. There is an alternative.

You will encounter difficulty in life and this is unavoidable. I told my followers that in the world they would have tribulation. This occurs for believer and unbeliever alike. I do not expect you to seek it, but at the same time if you make it your life goal to avoid difficulty you will lead a diminished life and still be unsuccessful. What should you do? You need a firm enough foundation to make suffering bearable, a large enough and strong enough life narrative to hold it.

Do you keep finding issues in your life that require correction or resolution? As you get older, do you find this process to be discouraging, thinking that the corrections should become infrequent and eventually cease altogether? What do you expect when you drive your car? Whenever the car is in motion you should be steering and you think this is normal. You don’t expect the corrections to cease as you approach your destination. Can you apply this same concept to your spiritual life? The only way to go wrong is to park your spiritual ‘car’ and remain stationary.

Have you heard the church referred to as a social club? This is not meant as a compliment either by those within or without, but do not be too quick to take offense. Social interaction is a valid human need, and it may be easier to accept this reality if you use the more benign term of community. You need a sense of belonging; a connection with those who have a similar identity. I had this with my disciples, who were my constant companions. Would you benefit from more or less contact with those in your own community of faith?