Do you understand that happiness is linked to gratitude? You don’t just have my word on this. It is supported by scientific evidence. To explain this in simple terms you must know that there is something you need of great value to you that you cannot obtain on your own, but it is freely given to you. Wouldn’t you expect those with a sense of autonomy, independence, and self-sufficiency to be happier? But they are living an illusion, and this does not lead to happiness. Blessed are those who know that they are not separate and autonomous, who know they freely receive blessings, and know whom to address the thank-you note to. 

Do you consider the Christian faith to be dignified? David danced before me, and before a large crowd of people, in a way that was a dramatic sensational spectacle. Enough so that his wife was embarrassed for his sake and mocked him with sarcasm. David replied that he would be yet more undignified. The modern equivalent of this is to say, ‘you ain’t seen nothin’ yet’. I liked his response more than hers. Have you ever been embarrassed by the exuberance of a fellow believer? Yet is it possible that your own resistance to exuberance works against you? Are there situations where it is appropriate? How can you be still more undignified? 

Do you seek my presence? Do you know that you can’t escape it? You accept omnipresence as a matter of doctrine. Do you know this in your heart as well as your head? The Psalmist said ‘where could I go from your presence?’ because he saw me everywhere he looked. Other references say that in me you live and move and have your being, and I said that you don’t need to go here or there to chase the Kingdom of God, because it is within you. So can you see that seeking my presence is more a matter of increasing your awareness that I am with you always? How would you live if you understood this?

How selective are you in your choices of entertainment? Some people will accept whatever the industry provides, on the premise that they are just stories after all. This is faulty reasoning. You could just as easily say that my teachings consisted of stories and you would be right. The stories you encounter are a powerful influence in your life even if you know they are not true. How much more for stories that are true. The influence is greater if you are unaware that it exists, and the intent of the author can be benevolent or malignant with them also being unaware. Keep this in mind when you choose your stories.