How much progress have you made in growth in the practice of your faith? Do you see spiritual progress more in terms of things you acquire or things you release? Both are valid aspects of spiritual growth but only one is usually emphasized. How do you view the things you have acquired? Do they facilitate your onward journey or impede it? The heavier the burden you carry, the slower you walk. Do you see your spiritual life as a journey? Do you see the parallel with carrying burdens? When you travel do you normally only take those things necessary for the journey?

Do you require proof for everything? This is a modern concept also described by those who adhere to it as being evidence based. This seems like a reasonable requirement, but is it? Is there anything you accept as true without proof? And this raises the further question, proof to whose satisfaction and what is admissible evidence, for these vary from one person to another. If truth is a larger concept than provability, then what criteria do you use to establish truth? Have you ever had something resonate with you and considered it to be true on that basis? Truth can be self-validating.

What does the Christian faith consist of? Do you see it as the affirmation of a list of essential doctrines, and diligence in preserving and conforming to the structures of your faith tradition? Don’t you describe your faith as a relationship with me? Does the above description sound relational? Have you noticed that the less that believers have a direct encounter with me the more they are committed to doctrine and structure and hierarchy and authority and titles and offices? Which do you think is of greater value?

Have you ever seen anything that is disguised or camouflaged? The purpose of these practices, whether for animals or people, is to make them difficult to identify, so doing so requires careful observation and discernment. Can this concept be applied more broadly? You know that fear and hatred are bad. No one will admit to practicing them. Does that make them go away or just become invisible? Have you ever seen hatred and fear masquerade as religion and morality? Even Satan is able to present himself as an angel of light. Is it possible to deceive the elect?