Are you familiar with the concept of self-norming? Do you do it? Is it incomprehensible to you that others come to different conclusions than you do on important issues? Do you think that they are stupid? You can comprehend that there are different viewpoints than your own without agreeing with them. You may find that those who disagree with you are as informed and intelligent as you are. You may also find that they are of good character and conscience. You are called not to judge, and disagreeing with you is the worst reason for judging someone else.

How do you view this life? As preparation for the life to come? As a great examination to determine if you are worthy to inherit eternal life? Don’t miss out on the blessings of this life by putting them off to the next, and you do not honor me by considering this life to be only a test or a rehearsal. Consider the main thrust of my message, that the Kingdom of heaven has come and is now here. Did I ever say that the Kingdom would be available later at some unspecified date for those who attained to it?

Do people confide in you? Do they tell you their deepest secrets? Everyone needs someone to talk to, and you can be that person, but this requires a special set of skills and character. What sort of person do you confide in? You need to know that you are safe, and will not receive judgment and condemnation in return for your vulnerable honesty. Another aspect of safety is trust that the other person will keep your confidence, even if this condition is not explicitly stated. Everyone has a story to tell and needs to tell it as part of their growth and healing process.

Have you ever been through an initiation? Some organizations require this of new members. The term literally just means beginning, but some of the rituals can be quite harsh, like military or fraternity hazing. These practices may be hard to defend in polite society, but they build strong organizational loyalty and bonds. Is there a counterpart in the Kingdom of God? I told Peter that Satan had desired to sift him like wheat, and I did not prevent this. I knew I had a difficult baptism to face, and told my followers that they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit, and fire.