Would you have picked Peter as the most brash and impulsive of my disciples? In story after story he acts quickly and gets corrected for it. Do you identify with him? I told him that he would be sifted like wheat, but that after he was converted he would strengthen his brethren. His faith did not fail, and this came to pass. Can you see how these experiences had a redeeming effect on him? It was not in spite of them but because of them that he was able to lead the church I left behind. Do you see a similar process in effect in your own life?

Do you think of tribal identity and association only in the context of native peoples? But ancient Israel, known collectively as the one people of God, were divided into tribes. The principle is universal. You could look at the denominations that exist today and consider them as tribes within the overarching faith of Christianity, but the concept goes beyond even that. Have you ever connected with a group of people, even if they were strangers, who joined together over something that you were passionate about? Did this feel like coming home for the first time? Do you know your tribe?

How effectively are you able to limit your circle of contacts to those who are similar to yourself? This is possible now more than ever before. Increased mobility and electronic communications can open you to a broader world, or allow you to find and associate with an ever more narrowly defined community. Do you think that this is beneficial? How often do you have real encounters with those of substantially different beliefs, professions, political opinions, education and income level from yourself? Who would decline the benefits of affluence and technology?

Are you secure enough to admit your faults? It is helpful for your advancement if you can. Do you know people who have a ready excuse for everything, who can find an external reason to blame for everything that goes wrong? Do you think they are correct in this or could their own failings contribute to their poor performance? If you can own your part of the poor performance then you can focus on the ways you contributed to it and the ways you can improve. This is humbling but it is a growth opportunity unavailable to excuse makers and blame shifters.