Do you accept the doctrine that you are made in my image? Do you also understand that your image of me creates you as well? Consider the story of the talents. The servants who traded with the master’s money were commended. The servant who hid his talent in the earth was asked to account for himself, and he accused the master of being harsh. It was only after this that he was declared to be an unprofitable servant. If you believe that I am harsh and severe, what effect will that have on you? On the other hand, if you see me as being loving, gracious, and merciful what effect will that have on you?

Do you hold your beliefs with humility? Do you consider them to be absolute and eternal truth? Are these concepts in conflict? People whose beliefs differ from yours feel as strongly about theirs as you do about yours, and you have had the unpleasant experience of encountering people who hold different views without humility. If your beliefs really are what you consider them to be, then you do not hold them as much as you are held by them. Blessed are those who know eternal truth, for they did not figure it out on their own, and flesh and blood did not reveal it to them, but my Father in heaven. Therefore you can hold your beliefs with humility because you do not hold them. They hold you.

[I'm leaving town for a few days]

Have you ever had someone tell you not to take something personally? How else should you take it? My word pronounces woes upon those who bring offenses, and cause little ones to stumble. Yet your response to any statement will determine whether it is an observation or an offense, for offenses have a giver and a receiver, and in this case neither one is blessed. Be careful lest the things you say to others could be interpreted to have offensive intent, and assume the things they say to you were not meant to. Love on either side of the transaction will prevent an offense, and cover a multitude of sins. 

Do you have a steady stream of thoughts in your head? Do you think of this stream as the essence of your identity? My word tells you to take every thought captive. If your thoughts are your true identity, then who is to take them captive? You are a spiritual being made in my image, and you are more than the sum of your thoughts. Your mind should be your servant rather than your master. It is not within you to direct your own steps, but I invite you to be led by the Spirit. If you do then your mind will be tuned to receive living and eternal truth, and I will be in all your thoughts.