As you grow in your faith does it increase your awareness of how far you still have to go? This is normal and good. Do you find it discouraging, as if you are running a race and the finish line gets further away rather than closer? The finish line was always far away, but don’t be discouraged about your rate of progress. I care about your morale. My disciples had lived with me for several years when I told them I had more for them but they could not bear it until later. In like manner I do not willing afflict or grieve your heart. I will show you what you need to know when you need to know it. Sufficient for the day is the evil, and the grace, thereof. I will complete my good work in you.

Are you familiar with the challenge to put your money where your mouth is? This implies a commitment beyond just words. Would the things you pray for benefit from donations? Cornelius was an officer in the Roman army, and as such a gentile outside of my covenant people Israel. Yet his heart was toward me and even the Jews took note of his alms to their poor. So did I, and his prayers and alms ascended before me so I set the stage for him to receive the full gospel message, which took visions and visitations to bridge the cultural divide. Cornelius was a man who put his money where his prayers were. Are you? 

Do you ever confuse intelligence with character? Have you ever met simple people who are kind, and bright people who are mean? Intelligence and knowledge are highly rated in your culture, and you have an enormous educational system to develop them. Even if you accept the premise that intelligence is determined by genetics, you have a choice to keep your mind active or not, and everyone can learn more information. Do you have a method available that is as well developed, thorough, and systematic to develop your character? I want you to understand the value of this and give it due importance. Ask of me and I will teach you. 

I promised to return, so you can count on that. My word supplies some information about the events leading up to this, but I didn’t include a timeline, so people have taken it upon themselves to generate their own. Yet the many predictions of the date of my return have all turned out to be premature. How should you approach this issue? You know better than to set a date yourself. Should you concentrate on your own spiritual formation and ministry, or events to come? The certainty of my return and the realization that it could be soon should inspire you to be good and faithful stewards now.